China rebukes Vatican criticism

BEIJING, May 7 (UPI) -- China has rebuked the Vatican's criticism of the government's ordination of two bishops and warned it against meddling in state affairs.

In a release through the state run Xinhua news agency, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao called on the Vatican to cut ties with Taiwan as well.

The Vatican and official Chinese Catholic Church split ways in 1949 during the Communist Revolution.

It stays in contact with unofficial communication and usually gives approval to ordinations.

However, last week the Vatican threatened to excommunicate anyone involved with the state ordination of two bishops.

Liu also said China wanted to strengthen diplomatic ties with the Vatican.