Qian was meeting US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Lee Armitage, who was here to hold political consultations with Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

Qian said that the meeting between Chinese President Jiang Zemin and US President George W. Bush in the fall, their third since Bush took office, was significant for bilateral ties.

He hoped the two sides would make concerted efforts and ensure the success of the visit.

Qian reiterated that the Chinese government adhered to the guideline of "peaceful reunification, one country and two systems" and the eight-point proposal made by President Jiang for resolving the Taiwan issue.

The central government was also actively engaged in promoting the three direct links of trade, transport and postal services across the Taiwan Straits.

China, however, would not allow Taiwan independence in any form, he stressed.

He hoped the US had a clear understanding about the danger of Taiwan independence and would send no wrong signals to the separatist forces in Taiwan.

He pointed out that this was "of vital importance" to the healthy growth of Sino-US ties, as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.

Armitage said that US-China relations had improved and showed momentum for further growth after twists and turns in the first half of 2001 and the two countries had effective cooperation on bilateral and multilateral issues.

He said that President Bush anticipated President Jiang's visit and the US wished the summit meeting would have positive results so that bilateral ties could grow.

The two sides also exchanged views on the fight against terrorism, non-proliferation and other issues of common concern.

(Xinhua News Agency August 27, 2002)