Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Yang Jiechi (R) and visiting U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice meet the media after their talks in Beijing, capital of China, on Feb. 26, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- Visiting United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice reiterated here Tuesday that the U.S. would adhere to the one-China policy and opposes the proposed "referendum on Taiwan's U.N. membership".

Rice made the remarks in her talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, said a press release from the Chinese Ministry, stressing that the U.S. opposes any unilateral changes across the Straits and believes that the referendum would not be constructive to any side and should not be taken.

Yang said the Taiwan question is a matter of China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and constitutes China's utmost concern.

Yang said that Chen Shui-bian and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) led by Chen cling obstinately to "the referendum on UN membership" regardless of the opposition from the international community. He added that the issue has already severely hampered peace and stability across the Straits and in the Asia Pacific region.

He said the Chinese side appreciates the U.S.' and Rice's public statements against the Taiwan authorities' "referendum on U.N. membership", as well as the repeated statements on adherence to the one-China policy, abiding by the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques and opposition to "Taiwan independence".

"We hope the U.S. side would adopt any methods if necessary and make joint efforts with China to combat the secessionist activities for 'Taiwan independence' in an aim to maintain the peace and stability across the Straits and safeguard the mutual strategic interests between the two nations," Yang was quoted as saying.

Rice, briefing the press after the talks, also reiterated what she said in December that the United States "opposes the proposed referendum because we believe that the referendum would not be constructive and would not in fact serve a useful purpose".

During their one-hour meeting at Beijing's Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, Yang highlighted China-U.S. relations, saying that relations had achieved important progress in recent years.

The consensus between presidents Hu Jintao and George W. Bush on pushing for China-U.S. constructive and cooperative relations had been put into practice gradually, and the two nations constantly expanded bilateral dialogue, exchanges and cooperation, he said.

This year, as the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, was important for the development of China-U.S. relations, Yang said, noting that the two sides should treat bilateral ties from a long-term perspective and strategic view.

Yang said that the two nations should continue implementing important agreements reached between the two heads of states, firmly grasp the general direction of bilateral constructive and cooperative relations, increase dialogue, cooperation and mutual trust, and properly resolve sensitive issues.

Rice said that the U.S. and China enjoyed a sound foundation for the development of bilateral relations. The two presidents had reached a consensus on promoting bilateral ties, and the two nations had achieved sound cooperation in bilateral and global issues. This was conducive for creating a safe and peaceful environment for the world, she added.

Rice said that bilateral economic and trade cooperation had produced important results for both sides and the strategic economic dialogue was fruitful. The United States considered China's development and prosperity as a good thing and was ready to achieve more solid relations with China, Rice said.

China was more and more open, Rice said, applauding China's role in the Darfur question and other issues.

The United States was opposed to politicizing the Beijing Olympics, and President Bush and his family looked forward to attending the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, she noted.

As to the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Yang said that with the joint efforts of all parties concerned, the six-party talks and the denuclearization process of the Korean Peninsula had achieved important progress.

China hoped that all parties would cherish these hard-won achievements, increase dialogue and consultations, and show further flexibility, in an effort to create conditions for overcoming current difficulties and pushing for the six-party talks, he noted.

China was ready to keep in close touch with the United States and other parties concerned to continue playing a positive role in pushing forward the six-party talks and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.

Rice said the United States was pleased to see the progress made by the denuclearization process on the Korean Peninsula.

The United States would work with China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and other parties concerned to promote the denuclearization process and complete the work at the present phase as soon as possible, so as to move on to the next phase, she noted.

Yang and Rice also exchanged views on the Iranian nuclear issue, the Darfur issue and other international and regional issues.

Rice arrived here on Tuesday morning for a two-day visit to China as Yang's guest. 

Source: Xinhua