Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue made the demand at a press conference, when commenting on US President George W. Bush 's remarks on US arms sales to Taiwan.

In an interview with the American Broadcasting Corporation Tuesday, Bush said the US would do "whatever it took to help Taiwan defend theirself." Bush also said the US would not have the annual review of arms sales to Taiwan but "will meet on an as needed basis".

Zhang noted, "There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is part of China and not a 'protectorate' of any other nation. This is a fact known to the entire international community. The United States has made solemn commitments to the Chinese government and people on the Taiwan issue, promising to stick to the 'one China' policy and abide by the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques as well as other commitments."

She pointed out that the U.S. side is going even further on a dangerous road by making such erroneous remarks right after its announcement of selling a large quantity of advanced weaponry to Taiwan. "We are deeply concerned about this," she said.

The wrong words and deeds of the U.S side constitute a flagrant violation of the principles of the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques and its own commitments and an open provocation to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. "It will further the arrogance of pro-Taiwan independence forces to split China, harm peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, and further damage Sino-U.S. relations," she said. "The Chinese government and people are indignant at and firmly opposed to this."

The spokeswoman pointed out that the Taiwan issue has always been a core issue of utmost importance and sensitiveness in Sino-US relations. No one should misjudge the firm resolution and determination of the Chinese people in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, nor can anyone stop the Chinese people in their endeavor for reunification of the motherland, she said.

(People's Daily 04/27/2001)