China Angry Over Taiwan Vow

W A S H I N G T O N, April 26 -- China today issued a harsh rebuttal to President Bush's promise of military support for Taiwan, accusing him of violating his commitment to Beijing.

"There is only one China in the world. Taiwan is part of China. It is not a protectorate of any foreign country," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue told a news conference.

"The Chinese government and people are strongly indignant and opposed" to Bush's comments, Zhang said.

Calling Bush's comments "mistaken remarks," Zhang also noted his unprecedented support for Taiwan came on the heels of a Pentagon offer of arms to Taiwan.

"This shows that it has drifted further on a dangerous road," Zhang said, referring to the United States.

Serious and Resolute

In an interview taped Tuesday but aired Wednesday on ABCNEWS' Good Morning America, Bush said the United States would do "whatever it took" to defend Taiwan if it were ever attacked by China.

Clearly sensing there would be some fallout in China after what is believed to be the strongest and most direct statement of support for Taiwan by a U.S. president, top White House officials have insisted Bush's remarks were not a departure in policy.

National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice said the Taiwan Relations Act made clear the United States has an obligation to maintain the island's peaceful way of life.

Rice said Bush's comments show how seriously and resolutely he takes this obligation. Rice added that a secure Taiwan would be in a better position to engage in a dialogue with Beijing.

A senior administration official traveling with the president in Arkansas said the Chinese military buildup made it even more important for the president to make a clear statement about his intention to defend Taiwan.

State Department spokesman Philip Reeker told reporters there was no change in change in U.S. policy toward Taiwan.

"We expect any dispute to be resolved peacefully. The president's said that. We expect, hope, believe that peaceful resolutions are possible. He said that the Chinese have to hear that we'll uphold the spirit of the Taiwan Relations Act," Reeker said