It is in the interest of both China and the United States to oppose "Taiwan independence" forces and safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan strait, said a Chinese leader in Beijing Monday.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative conference, made the remarks during a meeting with Governor of New York State George E. Pataki.

Jia expressed condolences to the people in hurricane-stricken areas in the south part of the United States.

He said Sino-US relations have made remarkable progress in recent years, and the meeting between Chinese President Hu Jintao and US President George W. Bush not long ago in New York is significant in promoting constructive and cooperative relations as the two heads of state exchanged views on international and regional issues and reached consensus.

Jia said China, an important force for world peace, stability and development, sticks to peaceful development, and has been committed to developing friendly relations with all nations of the world.

Pataki is on his first visit to China and he expressed appreciation for China's rapid economic growth.

He said as long as the United States and China work together to upgrade cooperation, friendly Sino-US relations will be promising. New York will continue to strengthen cooperation with China economically and professionally, he said.

He reaffirmed that the US government adheres to a one-China policy, and opposes Taiwan's independence.

Source: Xinhua