Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing met Friday in Jakarta with US Secretary of State Colin Powell to notice the recent progress in the Sino-US relations. They expressed readiness to keep close contact, make joint efforts and further enhance exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

On the issue of US selling weapons to Taiwan, Li sternly pointed out that the Taiwan issue concerns the sovereignty, territorial integrity of China and the feeling of the 1.3 billion Chinese people. To adhere to one-China policy and the principles of the three Sino-US joint communiqués is a political basis for the sound development of Sino-US relations.

He said, "we are consistently opposed to the so-called Taiwan Relations Act and opposed to the US selling weapons to Taiwan under any pretext."

Powell said the United States attaches importance to the position and concern of China. He added, President George Bush has repeatedly reiterated one-China policy and will not support Taiwan independence activities in any form. This US position will not change, he said.

Both sides also exchanged views on the fight against terrorism and the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsular.

(Xinhua News Agency July 2, 2004)