A smooth Sino-US relationship cannot and should not be derailed or undermined by the irresponsible actions of the pro-independence forces in Taiwan.

Sino-US ties have in the past managed to withstand the test of Taiwan "president" Chen Shui-bian's seemingly unceasing activities aimed at creating a larger "survival space" for the island and finally splitting it from the rest of China. But that does not stop him from trying to disrupt bilateral relations.

The pro-independence Taiwan leader made a stopover in New York on Friday en route to Panama. And he is due to stay in Anchorage, Alaska, on his way back to Taiwan.

The stopovers in the United States are said to provide Chen with safety, comfort, and convenience.

However, the reason for his stays falls apart given Chen's agenda in New York and his unveiled political ambitions of getting Taiwan independence.

This is Chen's third stopover in the United States during so-called "diplomatic visits" to Central American countries over the past few years.

During his past two transits, Chen never let an occasion pass in the United States to peddle his pro-independence ticket.

In fact, it has already become a repeated tactic for Chen and his predecessor Lee Teng-hui to make use of the so-called "transit diplomacy" to scramble more support from the United States for independence.

Chen's latest overseas itinerary and its strong lineup is also worthy of consideration.

Accompanying Chen is a 100-member high-level entourage, including Taiwan "foreign minister" Eugene Chien, "economic minister" Lin Yi-fu and other senior officials.

Chen's claimed mission is to attend Panama's centennial celebratory activities. But the real purpose of the trip is doubtful.

During his seven-day journey, Chen only has a one-day stop in Panama -- the official destination for his overseas visit. He has a much longer stay scheduled for the United States.

During his two-night stopover in New York, Chen will reportedly have a luncheon with several members of the US Congress and some of the city's top lawmakers.

Given his recent political push for referendums within Taiwan to press for the island's independence and his unyielding adherence to his "one-state-on-each-side" theory, any of Chen's activities in other countries which have diplomatic ties with China are a cause for concern.

Clearly, the stopovers in the United States, especially New York, provide him with a political stage.

The United States should know well the consequences of giving Chen such a stage.

Any political lobbying by Chen in the United States will negatively affect Sino-US relations and cause tensions across the Taiwan Straits.

(China Daily November 1, 2003)