"Our policy with respect to China and Taiwan and differences between the two is long-standing, well-known and unchanged," US National Security Council spokesman Sean McCormack., told reporters.

"The US has a one-China policy and we do not support Taiwan independence," the spokesman noted.

McCormack said this in response to pro-independence remarks made by Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian on Aug. 3 who preached that "each side (of the Taiwan Straits) is a country" and called for a referendum on the Chinese island's future.

Chen's remarks have triggered widespread criticisms or condemnation both in Taiwan and the Chinese mainland.

US State Department spokesman Philip Reeker also said Monday that "the United States policy, which is a long-standing one, is a 'one China' policy, and our policy has not changed at all."

(People's Daily August 8, 2002)