China yesterday urged the United States to take practical steps to contain "Taiwan independence" forces.

"The Chinese government firmly opposes any official exchange between the United States and the Taiwan authorities," Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told a regular press briefing.

Liu's comments were in response to reports about a possible transit stop in the United States by Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian on his trip to Nicaragua next week.

"The US government should not allow Chen to conduct any activity in the United States in any name or under any guise," Liu said. Nor should the United States send any wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" forces, he added.

In Washington, Sean McCormack, the spokesman of the US Department of State, reportedly said that in terms of transit, the US "has been consistent with our obligations and our one-China policy".

Source: China Daily