Obama says no need to change policy toward Chinese rule of Taiwan

Associated Press

Last update: November 16, 2009 - 12:59 AM

SHANGHAI - President Barack Obama says he sees no need to change Washington's "one-China" policy, which views Taiwan as part of China.

Taiwan and China split amid civil war in 1949. Beijing continues to claim the island as part of its territory and threatens to attack if Taiwan moves to formalize its de facto independence.

Obama says he is "very pleased" with the reduction in tensions between China and Taiwan. The relationship has improved significantly since new leadership took over in Taiwan last year.

Obama did not address a question submitted on the Internet from a student in Taiwan about U.S. arms sales to the island, which have angered the Chinese government.

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