BEIJING warned the US yesterday against interfering in Taiwan after the US House of Representative speaker, Mr Newt Gingrich, said Washington would defend the island against attacks from China.
"The controversy between China and the United States on the Taiwan issue revolves around one point, which is US interference," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Mr Shen Guofang.
On Sunday Mr Gingrich, in Shanghai after meeting Mr Wang Daohan, a senior Chinese official, on relations between China and Taiwan, said that the US would defend Taiwan if China launched a military assault to recover the island.
"We understand that in principle you will not renounce your right to use force. We want you to understand that we will defend Taiwan," Mr Gingrich said.
"This is not waving a sabre. It's just a reminder that it is in the scabbard and available," he added.
Mr Shen reiterated China's hopes for a peaceful reunification with Taiwan, but warned: "If the question of independence arises on the island, or a foreign force interferes in Taiwan issues, we will be forced to adopt other necessary measures.
He also attacked Washington for its continued arms sales to Taipei.
Meanwhile, in Tokyo Mr Gingrich said North Korea was in "great pain" and warned that no one should "underestimate the North Korean danger".
North Korean food shortages have become so severe that for the first time rations to the military have been cut, according to international aid experts, who warn - that North Korea could run out of food within the next three months.
Four-way talks to end formally the 1950-1953 Korean war involving China, the US, North Korea and South Korea, have not yet got under way.
North Korea might do something militarily," Mr Gingrich told a meeting of the National Press Club of Japan.
He did not challenge the US Vice-President, Mr Al Gore, over an earlier remark that North Korea was collapsing.
"I will not overestimate the speed of collapse nor underestimate the North Korean danger," he said.
The Republican leader supported the US Democrats' policy toward Pyongyang.
"Efforts to expand some contact with the North Korean government is probably a right general direction.
"You have to be kind," he said.
Mr Gingrich, who has been on a three-day official visit to China, is to pay a short visit to Taiwan today to meet the President, Mr Lee Teng-hui, and the Prime Minister, Mr Lien Chan.