BEIJING, Oct. 27 (Xinhuanet) -- China on Thursday urged the Vatican to put into action its will to better relations with China.

    "The Vatican is very clear about the principles that China advanced for developing China-Vatican relations," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan at a regular press conference.

    The first is that the Vatican must terminate its diplomatic relations with Taiwan and recognize the fact that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing all of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory.

    The second is that the Vatican should not interfere in China's internal affairs, including any intervention under the pretext of religious affairs.

    "The Chinese Constitution guarantees freedom of religion for Chinese citizens," said Kong, adding that the believers of major religions are increasing in China.

    The spokesman said, on the one hand, the Chinese government ensures citizens the freedom of religion; on the other hand, believers of all the religions should comply with the responsibility and obligations that the laws bestow upon them.

    Hu's DPRK, Vietnam trip

    Kong also made comments on Chinese President Hu Jintao's upcoming visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

    According to an earlier announcement made by Guo Yezhou, spokesman for the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, Hu will pay official good-will visits to the DPRK and Vietnam between Oct. 28 and Nov. 2.

    Hu will visit the DPRK between Oct. 28 and 30 as guest of Kim Jong-il, general secretary of the Worker's Party of Korea and Chairman of the National Defence Commission.

    During the DPRK tour, Hu, who will pay the visit in the capacity of both general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chinese President, will hold talks with DPRK party and state leaders on relations between the CPC and the Workers' Party of Korea and between China and the DPRK, Kong said.

    The two sides will also exchange views on international and regional affairs of mutual interest, Kong said.

    Hu's Vietnam trip, due from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, will be made at the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nong Duc Manh and Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong.

    In Vietnam, Hu will hold talks with Manh and Luong, which are expected to cover "a wide range of issues," Kong said.

    The growth of China-Vietnam relations is "generally good", he said. The continuous consolidation and enhancement of friendly ties between China and Vietnam complies with the fundamental interests of the two peoples, he said.

    China hopes the visit could play a due role in further implementing the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, enhancing bilateral cooperation and uplifting bilateral ties to a new height, Kong said.

    HK Constitutional development report

    Hong Kong's newly-announced report on constitutional development is based on the views of all walks of life in Hong Kong and conforms with Hong Kong's practical condition, Kong made the remarks in response to a reporter's question that some US congressmen criticized the report.

    Hong Kong Chief Secretary of Administration Rafael Hui made the Fifth Report of the Constitutional Development Task Force at the Legislative Council on Oct. 21. It contains a package of proposals on methods for selection of the Chief Executive in 2007 and for the formation of the Legislative Council in 2008.

    Kong said the report is consistent with the essence of the Basic Law and with the stipulation of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on the explanation of the Basic Law. The report epitomizes the spirit of "balanced participation" and "advance step by step".

    "We hope the US congressmen would gain a comprehensive impression of Hong Kong's status quo." Kong said.