US urged  to abide by commitment on Taiwan issue

China on Thursday urged the United States to abide by its repeated commitments to adhere to the one-China policy and the three Sino-US joint communiques and oppose "Taiwan independence" and Taiwan's bid to join any international organization which only sovereign countries can join.

Qin made the remarks when responding to a journalist's question citing a US official who expected better relations between the United States and Taiwan and called on the Chinese mainland to decrease military deployment against Taiwan.

He said the Taiwan issue is always the most sensitive and important core issue in China-US relations, and China hopes the United States will scrupulously abide by its commitments that the United States adheres to the one-China policy and the three Sino-US joint communiques and opposes "Taiwan independence" and Taiwan's bid to join any international organization which only sovereign countries can join.

The spokesman urged the United States to "cautiously" and "properly" handle the Taiwan issue, adding the Chinese government's position on the Taiwan issue has not changed.

China to promote friendly ties with Pakistan

China will work with Pakistan to promote the bilateral friendly relationship of cooperation, says Qin.

Qin made the remarks when commenting on the election of Yousuf Raza Gillani, vice-president of the Pakistan People's Party, as Pakistan's new Prime Minister.

Qin said China has maintained a close and good neighbourly relationship of cooperation with Pakistan, and is willing to promote it to a new high.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao sent a congratulatory message to Gillani on Tuesday.

Thai Princess Sirindhorn to visit China

Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will visit China from April 2 to 9 as guest of the Chinese government,Qin announced. 

(Xinhua News Agency March 28, 2008)