China stubborn on Taiwan

China vowed before the UN General Assembly on Friday that it would never allow Taiwan to become independent, which it said could undermine peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region. "We will resolutely combat any act that would contribute to the independence of Taiwan. We will never permit anyone to separate Taiwan from China," said Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan of China, which has viewed Taiwan as a wayward province since their split in 1949. "All acts aimed at the independence of Taiwan are doomed to fail. The great work of China's reunification will surely be accomplished," Tang told the 190-nation world body at the start of its 57th session. He also called on the 15-nation UN Security Council to ensure that Iraq comply with its resolutions demanding the return of UN weapons inspectors.