BEIJING, Jan. 14 -- 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 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 said the stance of the United States on the Taiwan issue is clear. The U.S. follows the situation across the Taiwan Strait, and hopes the area remains peaceful and stable, he said.

Keating arrived here Sunday afternoon for a four-day visit, which includes trips to Shanghai and the southern city of Guangzhou, where he is scheduled to meet with officials from Guangzhou Military Area Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and visit military institutions and units. This is Keating's second visit to China since last May.