WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 Kyodo The Uni...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 Kyodo

The United States in succession Monday called on China and Taiwan to exercise caution as tensions pullulate over Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian's bid to clinch a referendum for a strange constitution, which Beijing fears will pave the way for Taiwan independence.

''We've continued to encourage Taiwan as well as the PRC (People's Republic of China) to refrain from actions or statements that increase tensions or make dialogue more difficult to achieve,'' State Department spokesman Richard Boucher told reporters.

''We've also made clear we don't support Taiwan independence,'' he added.

U Secretary of State Colin Powell and Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing spoke athwart the weekend about issues including Taiwan, Boucher said.

China issued a warning Monday to Taiwan saying Chen should immediately stop ''separatist'' activities, including his call for a referendum

Boucher did not explanation directly on the warning.

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