BEIJING, July 23 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said here Friday that the United States should clearly understand the seriousness and sensitivity of the Taiwan situation,halt its arms sales to Taiwan and end its relevant military excha nges aimed at upgrading its relationship with Taiwan.

    Only in so doing, he added, can the steady development of Sino-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan straits be maintained.

    Li made the remarks while meeting with visiting Admiral Thomas Fargo, commander-in-chief of the Pacific Command of the United States Armed Forces, Friday morning in Beijing.

    Li acknowledged that Sino-US relationship is generally advancing in a positive direction. But he noted that the Taiwan issue, which concerns China's core interests, has become the biggest factor in the steady development of the Sino-US ties.

    China appreciated US President George W. Bush's repeated assurance that the US side will adhere to the One China policy, abide by the three Sino-US joint communiques and oppose the independence of Taiwan, noted Li.

    Admiral Fargo said a strong US-China relationship will benefit world peace and stability.

    The United States regards China as its partner, and is willing to keep high-level dialogues with China and strengthen bilateral cooperation in various areas, noted Admiral Fargo.

    He went on to say the American side has noted the Chinese concerns on the Taiwan issue, and that President Bush has reiterated time and again that the United States will keep to the One China policy.

    The US side hopes the East Asian region will maintain its stability and prosperity, said Admiral Fargo.

    During the meeting, Li and Admiral Fargo also has an exchange of views on some international and regional issues, including the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsular and the Iraq issue.

    It is Admiral Fargo's third visit to China. He arrived in Beijing Wednesday as guest of Liu Zhenwu, commander of the Guangzhou Military Area Command. After winding up his China trip, Fargo will proceed to visit India, Bangladesh and other Asian nations. Enditem