China says that new Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's reiteration against "Taiwan Independence" is conducive to regional peace and stability. 

Lee said Singapore's one-China policy, which defines Taiwan as part of China and opposes its independence, would not change.

"We noticed that Lee Hsien Loong has reaffirmed Singapore's adherence to the one-China policy and its resolute opposition to 'Taiwan Independence'," said Kong Quan, spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing Wednesday.

"This accords with the interest of Singapore, reflects the common understanding of the international community and will benefit the peace and stability of this region," he added.

Lee's remarks came during his first National Day rally speech on Sunday. He became prime minister on August 12.

"If Taiwan goes for independence, Singapore will not recognize it. In fact, no Asian country will recognize it," he said.

Lee, embroiled in a spat with China over his visit to Taiwan last month, said he was "very worried by the growth of 'Taiwanese independent' forces", claiming there was "a real risk of miscalculation and mishap" on the Taiwan Straits.

"China's position on Taiwan issue is clear-cut," Kong said. "All the countries that established diplomatic relations with China should abide by the one-China policy.''

He added: "We are firmly opposed to official exchanges in any form between the Taiwan authorities and the countries that have diplomatic relations with China."

On July 10, the then Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Lee made his so-called unofficial visit to Taiwan, regardless of solemn representations repeatedly made by China. The Chinese government expressed its strong dissatisfaction and protested.

When answering an inquiry about head of Taiwan's "executive yuan," Yu Shyi-Kun's "forced landing" at Japan's airport due to the influence of a typhoon, Kong said China has expressed profound concern towards the issue.

"We strongly oppose the Taiwan leaders, by any pretext, to conduct political activities in countries that have diplomatic relations with China," he said.

The spokesman said China has demanded the Japanese side to properly deal with the matter, strictly following the principles of Sino-Japanese joint communiqué and the promises Japan made on Taiwan issue.

Japanese media reports said Yu landed at a Japanese airport Wednesday after returning from the United States.

(China Daily August 26, 2004)