China on Jan.4 urged the United States to take practical action to contain "Taiwan independence".

    "The Chinese government firmly opposes any official exchange between the United States and the Taiwan authorities," Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told a regular press briefing. "Our stance is consistent and clear."

    Liu's comments came in response to report about the possible transit stop in the United States by Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian.

    "Taiwan independence" forces are the biggest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Asia Pacific region, Liu said.

    The spokesman urged the United States not only to abide by the three China-U.S. joint communiques, but also take practical actions to observe the one-China policy and contain "Taiwan independence".

    "The U.S. government should not allow Chen Shui-bian to conduct any activity in the United States in any name or for any excuse," Liu said.

    Nor should the United States send any wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" forces, the spokesman said.