Chen Bingde, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) chief of General Staff, said here on Monday that China hoped the United States does not send the wrong signal to the "Taiwan independence" forces.
Chen, a member of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks here in talks with Timothy Keating, the U.S. Pacific Command commander-in-chief.
The Taiwan issue is the most important and sensitive one in Sino-U.S. relations, Chen said. He noted Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian had stubbornly intensified his secessionist activities. This included a proposed referendum on United Nations membership that seriously threatened peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and the mutual benefits of China and the United States.
He also urged the United States to be aware of the risk of such activities, and to cut off its military contact with Taiwan as well as to stop weapon sales.
"The Chinese side appreciates the United States government's adherence to the one-China policy, and its opposition to the Taiwan authorities' efforts at referendum on Taiwan's U.N. membership," he said.
Keating responded the United States would firmly adhere to the one-China policy, and the Pacific headquarter of the U.S. military would endeavor to guarantee peace and stability in the area.
Guo Boxiong, Central Military Commission (CMC) vice chairman, reiterated China's clear and consistent position on Taiwan issue.
He said he hoped the United States can abide by the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques, stopping arms sales, cut off military ties, and not send any wrong signals to Taiwan authorities.
Keating said the U.S. government's one-China policy has not changed. The U.S. Pacific Command is very concerned with the situation and will "treat seriously" the elements that could undermine the stability across the Taiwan Straits.
He added the Chinese and U.S. militaries can establish closer and friendlier ties to make a bigger contribution in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Keating arrived here on Sunday for a four-day visit for a trip that includes stops in Shanghai and the southern city of Guangzhou. While there, he is scheduled to meet with officials from the Guangzhou Military Area Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and visit military institutions and units. It is his second China visit since May.
Source: Xinhua
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