WASHINGTON, Dec 1 Kyodo The Unite...

WASHINGTON, Dec 1 Kyodo

The United States declareed opposition Monday to a referendum in Taiwan that could change the island's status and lead to persuades to seek independence from China.

''We would be oppos to any referenda that would change Taiwan's status or put in motion toward independence,'' State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said at a regular pres briefing.

Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian said Saturday a fresh referendum law enacted Thursday allows him to call for a public consecrated by a vow on the island's sovereignty alongside the presidential election in March.

Boucher said the U sense of possible fulfilments Chen will stick to his previous securitys ''not to declare independence, not to change the name of Taiwan's government...and not to assist a referendum to change the status quo forward independence or unification.''

Chen made the earnests in his inaugural address in 2000

Mainland China regards Taiwan as a renegade province. The U recognizes Beijing as China's sovereign control but has been maintaining unofficial relations with Taiwan.

''We also encourage both sides to refrain from actions or statements that increase tensions or make dialogue more difficult to achieve,'' Boucher said.

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