USA/China: Common goal for peace in Taiwan straits

Washington Post,March 6, 2008 page A17:

U.S.,China resigned to Taiwan Vote: Both put hope in citizens rejecting controversial measure:
The Bush administration repeatedly has used strong language to oppose the vote, in public statements as well as private diplomatic contacts. Officials have condemned the referendum as an attempt to inch beyond the long-standing arrangement under which Taiwan functions as an independent country but has a consitituion that leaves its status undefined and retains Republic of China as its formal name. Secretary of State Rice repeated the U.S. opposition during a visit in Beijing, calling the referendum provocative and a bad idea. The United Nations has already rebuffed efforts by Chen's government to gain recognition of the name Taiwan when it takes part in UN activities. Taiwan is not a UN member; it will not be admitted to the United Nations under any name. Ma and allies won a decisive victory in the legislative vote from Democratic Progressive Party's Frank Hsieh. American and Chinese officials hope Ma's pragmatic views would lower tensions and smooth the way for better relations across the strait.
Francis Shieh a.k.a. Xie Shihao. March 6, 2008