An American bill that encourages reciprocal visits between the US and Taiwan authorities passed the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations this week. However, China's Foreign Ministry urged Washington to withdraw the bill, saying it threatens stability in the Taiwan Strait.

GENG SHUANG CHINA'S FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN "Though the clauses in the bill are not legally binding, they are a serious violation of the 'one-China' principle and regulations in the Joint Communiqué of the United States of America and the People's Republic of China. If it is passed and put into effect, it will cause serious disturbances to Sino-US relations and the situation in the Taiwan Strait. China is extremely dissatisfied and resolutely opposed to this and has already lodged stern representations with the US side."