A Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed the government’s "grave concern" over a joint statement by the US and Japan that listed Taiwan as one of their "common strategic objectives" in the Asia-Pacific region.

Kong Quan said in Beijing on Sunday that any "irresponsible remarks" about China's national defense are "untenable."

The two countries, following high-level talks in Washington on Saturday, announced that one of their "common strategic objectives" across the Asia-Pacific region is to urge China to resolve the Taiwan issue peacefully through dialogue and to be more transparent about its military modernization.

Calling the US-Japan security alliance "a bilateral scheme spawned during the Cold War period," Kong said it should not function beyond the bilateral framework.

"The Chinese government and people firmly oppose the US-Japan statement on the Taiwan issue, which concerns China's sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security," Kong said.

Kong said China hopes the US and Japan will fully consider the interests and concerns of other countries and contribute more to peace and stability across the Asia-Pacific region.

"We hope the US and Japan honor their commitments on the Taiwan issue with actions," Kong said.

Kong said that China, in line with the global trend of seeking peace and development and enhancing cooperation, has solidly pursued an independent foreign policy of peace and a defensive policy on national defense.

"China has become a positive force in maintaining world peace and boosting common development," he said. "Any irresponsible remarks on China's efforts to enhance national defense aimed at safeguarding its national security and territorial integrity are untenable."

(Xinhua News Agency February 20, 2005)