Q: Secretary Rice reportedly asserted the other day that the US supports the One China policy, but it will continue to fulfill its obligations to help Taiwan to defend itself as required by the Taiwan Relations Act. Do you have any comment?

A: Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. China has all along stick to the fundamental principle of "peaceful reunification and one country, two systems". But we will never allow any one to separate Taiwan from China by any means. Nor will we brook any foreign interference into China's internal affairs.

The US Government and the Bush Administration have at various occasions reiterated their commitment to the One China policy, the three joint communiqués and their opposition to "Taiwan Independence" as well as the attempt by the Taiwan Authorities to change the status quo unilaterally. The US should strictly abide by and live up to its commitment and work with China to explicitly oppose and resolutely rein in the Taiwan secessionists so as to preserve peace and stability across the Straits and the overall interest of China-US relations.