BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi called for efforts from the

United States in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait when meeting with

Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Pacific Command Timothy Keating. Yang said proper handling

of the Taiwan issue is key to sound and stable development of the Sino-U.S. relationship.

"The Chinese side appreciates the United States government's adherence to the one-China

policy, and its opposition to the Taiwan authorities' efforts at 'referendum on Taiwan's U.N.

membership'," he said. Yang expressed hopes that China and the United States will work

together in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Keating responded that

the stance of the United States on the Taiwan issue is clear. The United States follows the

situation across the Taiwan Strait, and hopes the area remains peaceful and stable, he said.

Keating, who is on a four-day visit to China, aired hopes for candid and fruitful talks