China values its friendship with Senegal and the relations with the Senegalese armed forces, said a senior officer of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Beijing Saturday.

Chief of the PLA General Staff Liang Guanglie made the remarks during talks with his counterpart of the Senegalese armed forces Papa Khalilou Fall.

Since the two countries resumed diplomatic ties last October, China-Senegal relations have begun a new chapter, Liang said.

He said China is ready to further promote friendly cooperation with Senegal and is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperation with the Senegal in various fields.

Liang also elaborated on the Chinese government's stance over the Taiwan issue, saying that Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's recent decision to cease the functions of the "National Unification Council" and the application of its guidelines constitutes a grave provocation of the one-China principle universally accepted by the international community and peace across the Taiwan Straits

It is a dangerous step toward "Taiwan independence," he added, saying that the mainland will continue to strive for peaceful reunification of the motherland, but will never allow anybody to split Taiwan from China.

Fall said Senegal understands China's stance over the Taiwan issue, and hopes China will realize its reunification.