A Chinese official on Wednesday urged the United States not to send any "messages" which might be interpreted as encouragement to pro-independence and separatist forces in Taiwan.

"Such messages will be no good for the development of cross-strait ties, the stability of Sino-US ties and the reunification of China," said Zhang Mingqing, a spokesman of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

Responding to questions at a regular press conference, the spokesman said China hopes the United States would truly adhere to the "One China" policy, promote Sino-US relations on the basis of three Sino-US joint communiques, and never send wrong messages to pro-independence and separatist forces in Taiwan.

Quoting Premier Wen Jiabao, the spokesman said: "the Chinese people will pay any price to safeguard the unity of the motherland". The premier made the remarks during a recent interview given to Leonard Downie, executive editor of The Washington Post on Nov. 21 in Beijing.

"The words by Premier Wen Jiabao represents the firm faith and aspiration of the Chinese government and the people in the fight against Taiwan independence," said the spokesman.

(Xinhua News Agency November 26, 2003)