US-China relationship important: Bush

    WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 (Xinhuanet) -- US President George W. Bush said on Tuesday that the United States will adhere to its one-China policy and does not support "Taiwan independence."

    "Our policy has been consistent from day one, which is one China, three commmuniques and that we do not support independence (of Taiwan)," Bush told Xinhua in a round-table interview with Asian reporters at the White House before his trip to Asia.

    When asked what the United States can do in preventing the secessionist forces in Taiwan from moving toward independence and in maintaining peace and stability in the region, Bush said that "one thing the United States can do is be consistent in its policy" in dealing with the Taiwan question.

    He noted that he was "heartened when we see dialogue begin to take place" across the Taiwan Strait.

    "That's a positive development and I'll continue to encourage that dialogue," the US president said.

    However, Bush also said that his administration supports the "Taiwan Relations Act."

    China has always termed the act as a severe interference with its internal affairs.

    Bush will start his third visit to China on Nov. 19, a trip that will also take him to Japan, South Korea and Mongolia. He will also attend the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting to be held in Busan, South Korea, on Nov. 18-19. Enditem