China opposes Taiwan leader's U.S.visit

BEIJING, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- Chinese leaders expressed strong opposition Thursday to former Taiwan leader Lee Teng-hui's visit to the United States.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan, at a Beijing news conference, urged the United States to adhere to the one-China policy, observe the three Sino-U.S. joint communiqués and follow its commitment to discourage "Taiwan independence," the state-run the Xinhua news service said.

China considers Taiwan a break-away province.

"The separatist activities of Lee Teng-hui and those like him go against the aspirations of the whole Chinese people, including Taiwan compatriots, and is condemned and doomed to failure," Kong said.