Q: It is reported that the US Government has agreed to a "transit stop" in Los Angeles by Chen Shuibian on his way to Central America in mid-August. What is your comment?

A: It is the well-known tactic of the Taiwan authorities to engage in separatist activities aimed at creating "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" in the name of making "transit stops". The Chinese Government has all along been opposed to any exchange and contact of an official nature between the US and Taiwan and the permission by the US side of prominent Taiwan political figures making "transit stops" in the US. The Chinese Government has already made solemn representations with the US side on its allowing Chen Shuibian making a "transit stop" in the US in mid-August, expressing the strong displeasure and firm opposition of China. The Chinese side asks the US Government to match its words with deeds and honor the three Sino-US joint communiqués and its relevant commitments so as to avoid serious damage being done to China-US relations.

August 8, 2000