"This is another erroneous step the United States has taken on the Taiwan issue," Zhu said when answering a reporter's question.

On April 21, the US government, disregarding China's repeated solemn representations, announced that it would grant Lee a so-called tourism visa.

"This has violated the three Sino-US joint coummuniques and relevant commitments made by the Unted States and interfered in China's internal affairs," Zhu said, adding that the Chinese Foreign Ministry has lodged solemn representations with the US side.

Zhu pointed out that Lee has been the representative of the "Taiwan independence" forces and a thorough "trouble-maker," and not a "private individual" at all.

The spokesman said that although Lee has stepped down, he is still carrying out activities in the world to separate China.

Zhu said Lee has ulterior political motives behind his visit, and the so-called "visit by private persons" is nothing but a camouflage.

The US government's decision to allow Lee to visit the United States can only boost the arrogance of the "Taiwan independence" forces to split China, aggravate the tension across the Taiwan Straits, and undermine the cross-straits and Sino-US relations, he pointed out.

"The Taiwan issue has always been the most important and sensitive core issue of the Sino-US relations. Under current circumstances, the proper settlement of the Taiwan issue is extremely vital to safeguarding the Sino-US relationship," he said.

"The Chinese side strongly demands the US side realize clearly the gravity and jeopardy of Lee's US visit, abide by the three Sino-US joint communiques, and honor its relevant commitments," he said.

The spokesman also urged the US side to immediately correct its mistakes, and take effective measures to deter Lee's visit aimed at conducting activities of separating China, so as to prevent the Sino-US relationship from being further damaged.

(Xinhua 04/22/2001)