BEIJING - Song Tao, a senior Taiwan affairs official, on Thursday called on the United States to work with China to maintain cross-Strait peace and stability, oppose "Taiwan independence" and support China's reunification.

Song, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks when meeting with John Thornton, co-chair of the Board of Trustees of the Asia Society, in Beijing.

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Noting that the Taiwan question is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations, Song urged the US side to be fully aware of the dangerous nature of the separatist attempts made by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities.

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Furthermore, Song said that the United States should adhere to the one-China principle and the three joint communiques between the two countries.

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Thornton said that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait align with the common interests of both the United States and China.

The two sides should enhance dialogue and mutual understanding and better manage risks, he said, pledging that the Asia Society will continue playing its role in promoting stable development of US-China relations.