Rice says US remains absolutely committed to one-China policy

The United States remains absolutely committed to the one-China policy, visiting US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Monday at a press conference.

Referring to her meetings with Chinese President Hu Jintao and other leaders, Rice said, "I reiterated that the United States does in fact have the one-China policy that has been clearly consistent, a policy that is based on the three joint communiques."

She expressed hope the status quo of the Taiwan Straits would be maintained, saying "the most useful path ahead is to reduce tension between the two sides."

Rice left here for home shortly after the press conference, concluding her 24-hour visit to China that started Sunday afternoon.