China appreciates the United States' opposition to the referendum scheme by Taiwan authorities to seek UN membership, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao Tuesday.

Liu made the comment after media reports said US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte had expressed opposition to Taiwan authorities' attempt to push for a plan of referendum on the island's entry into the United Nations in the name of Taiwan.

In an interview with Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV, John Negroponte said the US sees the idea of referendum as "a  mistake" and "a step towards a declaration of independence of Taiwan, towards an alteration of the status quo."

Liu said China appreciates the US reiteration of its opposition to the referendum scheme of Taiwan authorities.

"Opposing and checking 'Taiwan independence' is key to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Asia-Pacific region," said Liu.

"The Taiwan authorities' moves run counter to the tide of history and their attempts are doomed to failure," he said.

Taiwan authorities sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in July, raising an application to join the United Nations in the name of "Taiwan." Meanwhile, Chen Shui-bian has been pushing for a plan to hold a "referendum" inside Taiwan on its entry to the United Nations.

(Xinhua News Agency August 29, 2007)