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)