China is resolutely opposed to the US selling arms to Taiwan and incorporating Taiwan into its planned missile defense system, said President Hu Jintao during his Monday meeting with visiting US Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Hu told Powell that China hopes that Washington will uphold its promises on the Taiwan question and abide by the three Sino-US Joint Communiqués, according to a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman.

Describing the current situation across the Taiwan Straits as very complicated and sensitive, Hu said the root cause for the tension lies with attempt to separate Taiwan from China. The "Taiwan independence" forces' separatist activities are the greatest threat to peace and stability in the region.

China has made solemn representations to the United States on many occasions and demanded that it fully recognize the danger of selling advanced weapons to Taiwan.

Early this month, Hu spoke on the telephone with US President George W. Bush, saying that China hopes to resolve the Taiwan question by peaceful means, but will not tolerate "Taiwan independence."

The assertion came as Taiwan considers a purchase of US$18 billion worth of US missiles and other weapons.

During Monday's meetings with Chinese leaders, Powell said the US will adhere to the one-China policy and the three joint communiqués. He stated that the US does not support any effort aimed at "Taiwan independence."

Powell said the US government values highly its ties with China, which have a direct influence on the stability of Asia and the world at large.

On economic relations, Premier Wen Jiabao expressed appreciation of the American decision to reject an investigation on the exchange rate of the renminbi.

On September 9, the office of the US Trade Representative released a statement saying that the administration had rejected a petition filed by several labor unions requesting an investigation into China's foreign currency exchange rate policy under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Wen reassured Power that China will continue to implement its World Trade Organization commitments and will strictly protect intellectual property rights.

He added that China hopes the US will take positive action on a series of bilateral trade cooperation issues, such as export controls.

Powell left Beijing for Seoul on Monday afternoon to continue his Asian tour.

(China Daily October 26, 2004)