China appreciates the United States' opposition to the
referendum scheme by Taiwan authorities to seek UN membership, said
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao Tuesday.
Liu made the comment after media reports said US Deputy
Secretary of State John Negroponte had expressed opposition to
Taiwan authorities' attempt to push for a plan of referendum on the
island's entry into the United Nations in the name of Taiwan.
In an interview with Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV, John Negroponte
said the US sees the idea of referendum as "a? mistake" and "a
step towards a declaration of independence of Taiwan, towards an
alteration of the status quo."
Liu said China appreciates the US reiteration of its opposition
to the referendum scheme of Taiwan authorities.
"Opposing and checking 'Taiwan independence' is key to peace and
stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Asia-Pacific region,"
said Liu.
"The Taiwan authorities' moves run counter to the tide of
history and their attempts are doomed to failure," he said.
Taiwan authorities sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Ban
Ki-Moon in July, raising an application to join the United Nations
in the name of "Taiwan." Meanwhile, Chen Shui-bian has been pushing
for a plan to hold a "referendum" inside Taiwan on its entry to the
United Nations.
(Xinhua News Agency August 29, 2007)
