The Chinese government firmly opposes the so-called Taiwan Relations Act of the United States, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan Tuesday.

Kong said the US government had repeatedly reiterated its adherence to the one-China policy and commitment to the three Sino-US joint communiqués since the two countries established diplomatic ties. US President George W. Bush said the United States opposed "Taiwan independence" and Taiwan's attempts to unilaterally change the status quo.

Kong said China urged the US government to keep its promises, and firmly continue its opposition to "Taiwan independence" and any attempt by Taiwan to use a referendum to this end, so as to ensure the healthy, stable and smooth development of Sino-US relations.

(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2004)