China asks U.S. to stop Taiwan arms sales

BEIJING, March 4 (UPI) -- Chinese officials asked U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, who was on an official visit to Beijing, to stop U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

Negroponte met with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo and Vice Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Xinhua, the official government news agency, said. He reportedly pledged that the United States remains committed to a one-China policy.

During his Asian trip, Negroponte is also scheduled to visit South Korea and Japan. Xinhua reported that Negroponte will discuss North Korea's nuclear program during his visit.

The trip is Negroponte's first since being sworn in Tuesday.