State Department deputy spokesperson Adam Ereli said the US
opposes moves by Taiwan to drop any references to China in its
official name, warning that it would disrupt cross-Straits
relations.?
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Taiwanese leader Chen Shui-bian pledged at the weekend to push for
increased use of "Taiwan" rather than the island's official
designation of the "Republic of China" (ROC).?
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Ereli said that the changes in terminology appeared to be efforts
on Taiwan's part to change its status unilaterally. The US wants
stability maintained in cross-Straits relations.?
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Chen says he will not push for formal independence for the island
but insists on a referendum in 2006 on a new constitution, despite
concerns from Washington and strong objections from the
mainland.
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The US has reiterated its adherence to the one-China policy on
numerous occasions. Nevertheless,?Washington remains the
leading arms supplier to Taiwan.
China and the US established diplomatic relations
in?1979.
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Taiwan's leader said on Sunday?that companies run by the
Taiwan authorities will drop any references to China in their names
to avoid being confused with mainland firms.
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Chen Shui-bian told supporters that the companies will be given two
years to change their names. The firms could include China
Airlines, China Steel Corp., China Shipbuilding and Chinese
Petroleum Corp.?
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(Xinhua News Agency December 7, 2004)