A Chinese government spokesman said here Wednesday that US Secretary of State Colin Powell's recent remarks "Taiwan is not independent" complies with the foreign policy of the United States.

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.

Source: Xinhua