State Department deputy spokesperson Adam Ereli said the US opposes moves by Taiwan to drop any references to China in its official name, warning that it would disrupt cross-Straits relations. 
   
Taiwanese leader Chen Shui-bian pledged at the weekend to push for increased use of "Taiwan" rather than the island's official designation of the "Republic of China" (ROC). 
   
Ereli said that the changes in terminology appeared to be efforts on Taiwan's part to change its status unilaterally. The US wants stability maintained in cross-Straits relations. 
   
Chen says he will not push for formal independence for the island but insists on a referendum in 2006 on a new constitution, despite concerns from Washington and strong objections from the mainland.
   
The US has reiterated its adherence to the one-China policy on numerous occasions. Nevertheless, Washington remains the leading arms supplier to Taiwan.

China and the US established diplomatic relations in 1979.
   
Taiwan's leader said on Sunday that companies run by the Taiwan authorities will drop any references to China in their names to avoid being confused with mainland firms.
   
Chen Shui-bian told supporters that the companies will be given two years to change their names. The firms could include China Airlines, China Steel Corp., China Shipbuilding and Chinese Petroleum Corp. 
   
(Xinhua News Agency December 7, 2004)