Q: It is reported that the US Deputy Secretary of State Negroponte recently reiterated that the US opposed the Taiwan Authorities' referendum on UN membership, regarding it as a move to declare Taiwan independence and change the status quo across the Taiwan Straits. What's China's comment?

A: We have taken note of relevant reports. We applaud the US government for its reiterated opposition to the Taiwan Authorities' referendum on UN membership on many occasions recently. Opposing and containing Taiwan separatists is of vital significance to safeguard the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and the Asia-Pacific region at large, and conforms to the common interests of the US and China. Chen Shuibian and the Taiwan Authorities beat their brains out planning activities aimed at Taiwan independence de jure including the referendum. Their attempt is unpopular and doomed to failure.