Zhu Bangzao made this comment following a report where a senior official with the US Department of Defence warned China not to underestimate the US's determination and ability in its military involvement in Taiwan.

"The Taiwan question is China's internal affair where no country has the right to interfere," said Zhu. "We hope that the United States will honour its commitments and do more to create peace and stability of the situation across the Taiwan Straits and the sound development of Sino-US relations."

He reaffirmed that Beijing will continue its principles of "peaceful reunification" and "one country, two systems," adding that the Chinese Government and its people are determined and have the ability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The spokesman yesterday also expressed "firm opposition" to the US Congress' decision to allow Taiwanese "premier" Chang Chun-hsiung to stop in four US cities on his way to the Caribbean.

"Sino-US relations are at a critical moment and proper handling of the Taiwan question is key to ensuring the sound development of bilateral ties," said Zhu.

He again called on the United States to follow the one-China policy, the three Sino-US joint communiques and related commitments, and not develop any official contact with Taiwan.

Sino-US relations have been improving in past months, recovering from the damage made by a series of disputes and in particular the mid-air collision between a Chinese fighter jet and a US reconnaissance plane over the South China Sea in April.

Zhu yesterday confirmed China and the United States will conduct consultations on military maritime security on September 13 and 14 in Guam.

The dialogue is one of the outcomes of the July meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and US Secretary of State Colin Powell in Beijing.

Zhu said the Chinese delegation will be headed by a rear admiral.

The spokesman yesterday refuted US criticism that a Chinese company has exported missile components to Pakistan.

"The accusation is utterly groundless," said Zhu. "China has always opposed the US practice of applying its domestic laws and imposing sanctions on other countries for no reason."

Concerning the issue of the US development of the National Missile Defence (NMD) system, Zhu said China was ready to conduct "serious" dialogue with the United States but reiterated the nation's opposition to the plan.

Zhu's remarks came hot on the heels of some media reports that the United States will change its policy and support China in building its nuclear arsenal in exchange for the country's backing for the NMD plan.

The report was later denied by US National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice.

He added China has no intention of taking part in any nuclear arms race and does not approve of any country seeking a strategic edge over others through a nuclear arms race or the development of missile defence systems.

He stressed the pressing issue now is to push for the early implementation of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

(China Daily 09/05/2001)