Visiting US Deputy Secretary of State Richard L. Armitage raised questions about the motive of the March 20 referendum proposed by the leader ofTaiwanauthorities at a media round table inBeijingon January 30.

"As I understand it, referenda are generally reserved for items or issues which are either very divisive or very difficult. And the wording I've seen of the referendum seems to be neither divisive nor difficult. So I think it raises some questions about the motives of those who want to put it forward," he said.

Mr. Armitage reiterated that theUSpolicy onChinais based on the one-China policy and the principles enshrined in the three Sino-US joint communiqués, adding that President George W. Bush has made it quite clear that theUnited Statesis opposed to any unilateral action which alters the status quo.