Taiwan, Nansha Islands and adjacent waters are all inseparable parts of Chinese territory, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Liu Jianchao said at a regular press conference on Tuesday.

Liu made the remarks when asked to comment on Taiwan "leader" Chen Shui-bian's planned trip on Saturday to Taiping Island, the largest among Nansha islands.

Liu reiterated that China possesses indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Islands and adjacent waters.

"We have confidence as well as capability to safeguard the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity", Liu said, adding China remains committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Darfur issue

China will continue to discuss with Sudan on the issue of Darfur, Liu said.

China will also make necessary negotiation and cooperation with world community on issues relating to Darfur, Liu added.

Liu said China's position on Darfur issue is very clear, and its starting point is to push forward the reconciliation process in the region so as to ease the humanitarian crisis and restore stability and development in the region and help people there to get rid of the difficulties in their life.

(Xinhua News Agency February 1, 2008)