Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and US Secretary of State Colin Powell had a telephone conversation Monday morning, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Li reiterated China's position on the Taiwan issue, emphasizing that a nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity are of paramount importance. He urged the United States to demonstrate its commitment to the one-China policy with concrete action.

Powell said the United States will continue to observe the one-China policy and lend no support to any attempts by Taiwan to seek independence.

Li also urged the United States to carry out a serious and thorough investigation into the July 21 incident near Niagara Falls at the US-Canadian border.

A Homeland Security officer at a Customs and Border Protection station reportedly attacked Zhao Yan, a Chinese businesswoman from Tianjin on her first US business trip.

Those responsible for the incident should receive legal punishment, Li said.

Powell said that he would inquire into the matter.

Powell briefed Li on the US stance on the Sudan issue and said he hoped the United Nations Security Council will take concerted action in this regard.

Li said China is also very concerned with the Darfur conflict in Sudan and hopes that the UN Security Council will listen to the voices of Sudanese people, the African Union and the League of Arab States to take steps toward an appropriate solution.

(Xinhua News Agency July 26, 2004)