China strongly opposes Chen Shui-bian's stopover in the US en route to Panama's 100th anniversary independence celebration.

Speaking at Tuesday's regular press conference, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said China's position on this issue is very clear. She said China strongly opposes the US and Taiwan having any kind of official exchange.

US Secretary of State Colin Powell, also attending the anniversary events, shook hands with Chen on Monday, a meeting which a second US official make clear was not scheduled.

(CCTV.com November 5, 2003)