(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-11-05 23:21

China's Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan (R) shakes hands with visiting US Defense Secretary Robert Gates after a news briefing in Beijing November 5, 2007.[Agencies]

US Secretary of Defence Robert M. Gates said on Monday that the United States adheres to one-China policy and the three US-China joint communiques.

Gates made the remarks in a meeting with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo, noting that the United States is willing to make joint efforts with China to build trust in strategic areas through dialogue and communication.

Bilateral relationship has enjoyed a sound momentum of development, Gates added.

Dai told Gates that China and the United States have broad and close relations, hoping the two countries enhance mutual understanding and trust and promote the all-round and in-depth development of China-US constructive and cooperative ties through deepening bilateral exchanges in various fields including military exchanges.

Stressing of the danger of separatist activities aimed at "Taiwan Independence", Dai asked the United States to pay great attention to and appropriately deal with the Taiwan issue, take effective and concrete actions and make joint efforts with China to safeguard the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and safeguard the overall China-USrelations.

Dai and Gates also exchanged views on the Iran nuclear issue.

Stern warning

If Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian dares to make major "Taiwan independence" moves, China will take resolute actions and firmly safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs, said Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan in Beijing on Monday.

Making the remarks when meeting with visiting U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Cao said "We are closely watching the actions of the 'Taiwan independence' forces and their secession attempts. We will make utmost efforts to maintain the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits."

He stressed the United States should fulfill its commitments substantially, cease official and military contacts with the Taiwan authority, stop selling weapons to Taiwan, and take concrete actions to maintain the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.

Gates said the U.S. government would not change its adherence to the one-China policy.

During the talks, the two top defense officials also agreed to open a direct telephone line between the defense ministries of the two countries.

Gates, who arrived in Beijing on Sunday night, is on a three-day official visit to China at the invitation of Cao.