Official media cited a spokesman for Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office Sunday as blaming tensions across the Taiwan Strait on authorities in Taipei who do not recognize the one-China principle.

China said it was responding to a joint declaration by Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian and the island's opposition leader, James Soong. Their statement on Thursday vowed that no possibilities would be ruled out in future ties between China and Taiwan.

Mr. Chen also promised not to declare independence, change the country's official name or promote a referendum on independence that would alter the status quo.

China sees Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to invade if it declares independence.

Source: VOA News