Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi called for efforts from the United States in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits when meeting with Commander-in-Chief of the US Pacific Command Timothy Keating.

Yang said proper handling of the Taiwan issue is key to sound and stable development of the Sino-US relationship. "The Chinese side appreciates the United States government's adherence to one-China policy, and its opposition to the Taiwan authorities' efforts at 'referendum on Taiwan's UN membership'," he said.

Yang expressed hopes that China and the United States will work together in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Keating said the stance of the United States on the Taiwan issue is clear. The US follows the situation across the Taiwan Straits, and hopes the area remains peaceful and stable, he said.

Keating arrived in Beijing on Sunday afternoon for a four-day visit, which includes trips to Shanghai and the southern city of Guangzhou, where he is scheduled to meet with officials from Guangzhou Military Area Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and visit military institutions and units. This is Keating's second visit to China since last May.

(Xinhua News Agency January 14, 2008)