China urges talks with Taiwan

Beijing - China has called on Taiwan to move towards political talks and warned the United States to stay out of the dispute between the two old enemies, writes Miriam Donohoe. The Chinese Vice-Premier, Mr Qian Qichen, yesterday also appealed to Taiwan to accept direct trade links with the mainland and promised China would respect the will of Taiwan's people during and after reunification. In a firm message to the new US President, Mr George W. Bush, Mr Qian said China would "resolutely oppose" any foreign forces interfering with China resolving the Taiwan problem.