We don't support "Taiwan independence", Powell

There is only one China, US Secretary of State Colin Powell said, and this is still our firm policy. Taiwan is not an independent state, and therefore doesn't enjoy the sovereignty a state enjoys. "I reaffirm: we don't support 'Taiwan independence'". Powell reportedly made the remark in an interview by Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV.

Powell reiterated that the United States firmly supports the "One China" policy, and this is a clear-cut policy based on the US-China three joint communiques.

Powell received an interview by Phoenix TV on October 25, who was then on a visit to Beijing. Talking about US-China relations, He said that in the past four years, as we can see, our relations progressed quite well. We solved some differences in economic and trade fields and conducted close cooperation on regional issues. American and Chinese officials met each other frequently and close ties between leaders of the two countries were maintained. Now we are cooperating in a wide range of fields.

Commenting on the six-party talks, Powell said that China had played an important role in helping to set up the framework of the talks. China is the host and convener of the six-party talks, as well as an active participant. We need active participants, and actually all participants should be so. China is a neighbor of DPRK and plays a very important role.

Talking about the US presidential election, Powell said that both George W. Bush and John Kerry understand the friendly ties with China. Now everybody agrees on friendly ties with China. The United States and China cooperate well in many aspects--this is an undisputable fact.

Powell's remarks consistent with US China policy

Zhang Mingqing, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remark at a routine new briefing in reply to a reporter's question.

"During his recent visit to China, Powell explicitly said the United States would unswervingly pursue the 'one China' policy and is in opposition to any attempts for 'Taiwan independence,'" said Zhang. "We also noticed Powell told Hong Kong-based Phoenix Television 'Taiwan is not independent. It does not enjoy sovereignty as a nation.'"

These remarks accord with the consistent China policy of the United States, Zhang acknowledged. After these remarks were made, the US State Department spokesman reiterated that the United States would adhere to the "one China" policy.

With regard to the US arms sale to Taiwan, Zhang said if the United States truly abides by the "one China" policy and the three Sino-US joint communiques as it proclaims, it should not sell arms to Taiwan.

According to the communiques signed on Aug. 17, 1982, the United States will reduce and eventually halt arms sales to Taiwan. In addition, its arms sales to Taiwan shall be limited to only defensive weapons.

By People's Daily Online