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China rejects US response to law

"We hope the US side can understand China's actions and not do anything to embolden pro-Taiwan independence actions."

Kong Quan, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman

China yesterday rejected a US appeal to reconsider the "anti-secession" law.

"We oppose these irresponsible remarks on this law," Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan (孔泉) said. "We hope the US side can understand China's actions and not do anything to embolden pro-Taiwan independence actions."

The law, introduced on Tuesday in the National People's Congress, is scheduled for a final vote on Monday and is certain to be approved.

The White House called the measure "unhelpful" and appealed to China to reconsider.

Kong, speaking at a regular news briefing, said other governments should understand that China has to enact the law to protect its territorial integrity.

The spokesman said Washington should be interested in maintaining stability in the region, which Beijing claims is threatened by lobbying on Taiwan to make its independence permanent.

Kong said the topic might come up when US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visits Beijing on March 20 and March 21.

Discussions are expected to focus on efforts to restart six-nation talks with North Korea on its nuclear program, he said.

China's envoy on the nuclear question was in Washington yesterday for talks with State Department and White House officials.
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