US President George W. Bush said on Tuesday that the US will adhere to the one-China policy and does not support "Taiwan independence."

"Our policy has been consistent from day one, which is one China, three communiqués and that we do not support independence (of Taiwan)," Bush said in a round-table interview with Asian reporters at the White House before his trip to Asia.

When asked what the US can do in preventing the secessionist forces in Taiwan from moving toward independence and in maintaining peace and stability in the region, Bush said that "one thing the US can do is be consistent in its policy" in dealing with the Taiwan question.

He noted that he was "heartened when we see dialogue begin to take place" across the Taiwan Strait.

"That's a positive development and I'll continue to encourage that dialogue," he said.

However, he also said that his administration supports the "Taiwan Relations Act."

China has always termed the act as a severe interference with its internal affairs.

Bush will start his third visit to China on November 19, a trip that will also take him to Japan, South Korea and Mongolia. He will also attend the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting to be held in Busan, South Korea, on November 18-19.

(Xinhua News Agency November 9, 2005)