Chinese President Hu Jintao said in Beijing Sunday it is in the common interest of both China and the United State to oppose and check secessionist activities of the "Taiwan Independence" forces and safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.

"The keynote of our policy toward the Taiwan question is to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and commit ourselves to achieving the country's peaceful reunification," Hu said during his talks with visiting US President George W. Bush, who arrived in Beijing Saturday for a three-day visit.

The US side has reiterated, on many occasions, that it will stick to the one-China policy, abide by the three Sino-US joint communiqués and oppose "Taiwan Independence," Hu said. "The Chinese side highly appreciates this."

Bush said the US side sticks to the one-China policy, opposes "Taiwan Independence" and rejects any attempt aimed at unilaterally changing the status quo across the Taiwan Straits.

During the talks Hu also briefed Bush on China's unswerving adherence to the path of peace and development and its achievements in democracy and human rights.

The two presidents also exchanged ideas on how to enhance cooperation in Asia-Pacific affairs.

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2005)