The one-China principle is unchangeable no matter what changes happen in the Taiwan Straits situation, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao on Tuesday when commenting the planned visits of Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou to central and south America.

It was reported that Ma would pass through the United States during the visits to Paraguay and Dominica in August.

"We always oppose the United States to have official contacts in any form with the Taiwan authority," Liu said.

He said he hoped the U.S. side would abide by the one-China principle and its commitment made in the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques, and solve the issue cautiously and properly.

(Xinhua News Agency July 16, 2008)