Chinese state media report President Bush has promised Chinese President Hu Jintao that the United States will continue to oppose independence for Taiwan. The Xinhua news agency reports the President made the promise to adhere to a one-China policy in a telephone conversation Saturday with the Chinese leader.
The news agency says it learned of the President's comments from the Chinese foreign ministry.
China considers Taiwan a renegade province. Earlier this week, China called a planned trip by Taiwanese Vice President Annette Lu to the U.S. resort town of Las Vegas Friday a threat to relations between Beijing and Washington. The Chinese government called on Washington to avoid all official contact with the Taiwanese leader.
During Saturday's telephone call, Mr. Bush also briefed Mr. Hu on the U.S.-sponsored draft resolution on Iraq currently before the United Nations Security Council. The President asked for Chinese cooperation on the issue.
Xinhua says Mr. Hu told the President Iraqi sovereignty should be returned and free elections held as soon as possible, with the United Nations playing a key role in the process.
Some information for this report provided by AFP.