The US opposes any unilateral changes to the "status quo" in the Taiwan Strait and encourages Taiwan and China to settle their differences through dialogue, a US official reaffirmed on Monday.
US State Department acting spokesman Tom Casey made the remarks in a regular press briefing when asked about President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) interview with the Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun last Friday.
Chen had said it was not impossible that a new constitution could be drafted before he steps down in 2008.
No unilateral moves
Casey said he had yet to see Chen's comments, but that he would reiterate the longstanding US position that "we oppose any unilateral measures to change the status quo, and believe that dialogue between Taiwanese officials and those in Beijing is the appropriate way to settle any cross-strait tensions."
"I'd also refer you back to the statement that we made last week about some of the comments that had been made on the National Unification Council," he said.
"While related to a slightly different issue, that same policy applies. And obviously we believe the maintenance of Taiwan's assurances is critical to preserving the status quo, and our firm policy is that there should be no unilateral changes to the status quo," he said.
In other developments, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing (
Tougher line
"We hope that the US side ... recognizes the dangerous nature of Taiwan independence secessionist forces and takes concrete measures to oppose Taiwan independence forces," Li told journalists.
Beijing was infuriated by Chen's move to cease the function of the council, although the US emphasized that its interpretation of the events were that Chen had not "abolished" the council and guidelines, only that they had "ceased to function."
China immediately called on the US to take a tougher line against Chen, and Li again urged Washington to ensure they had a "clear understanding" of events in Taiwan.
The US should not "send erroneous signals to Taiwan independence secessionist forces, Li said.
Li emphasized that Taiwan was the most important issue facing Sino-US relations.
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