Beijing reacts to Pope Francis' letter to China's Catholic faithful

(26 Sep 2018) China's foreign ministry reiterated the importance of bilateral relations with the Vatican on Wednesday, saying China remains "sincere" in improving ties.
A deal was signed on Saturday governing the naming of bishops in China, an issue that has vexed relations for decades.
Speaking in Beijing, Foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said China would like to enhance mutual understanding and trust with the Vatican.
The agreement regularises the status of seven bishops who had been appointed by Beijing over the years without papal consent, and sets out a process of dialogue going forward to name new ones.
The recent agreement casts a shadow on whether this would affect the Vatican's ties with Taiwan.
China maintains its long-standing demand that the Holy See cut ties with Taiwan before it can normalise diplomatic relations with Beijing that were severed nearly 70 years ago.

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