(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-01-14 17:05

BEIJING - Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi called for efforts from the United States in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait 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 the 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 responded that the stance of the United States on the Taiwan issue is clear. The US follows the situation across the Taiwan Strait, and hopes the area remains peaceful and stable, he said.

Keating, who is on a four-day visit to China, aired hopes for candid and fruitful talks with the Chinese side on his trip.

The naval officer said the US attaches great importance to the peace, safety and stability of the Asian and Pacific region, in which China is exerting an increasingly important role.

Both officials recognized the needs for more exchanges to cement strategic trust between the two nations. In the meeting with with Yang, Keating invited Chinese military officers to visit military schools and academies in the United States.

Keating arrived here 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.