China is firmly opposed to a US Congress resolution on "supporting Taiwan's democratic election", Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said on Friday.

Qin's remarks were in response to a resolution passed by the US House of Representatives' Committee on Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.

The resolution, labeling Taiwan as "one of the strongest democratic allies" of the US, calls for Washington to "reaffirm its commitment to Taiwan's democracy and security" and encourage international delegations to visit Taiwan to observe the election there in March.

The resolution, passed in disregard of China's protest, goes against the one-China policy and sends a wrong signal to the Chen Shui-bian administration on the island.

China requests the US Congress to see clearly the complexity and sensitivity of the current situation across the Taiwan Straits, as well as the secessionist nature of the Taiwan authorities, Qin said.

China also requests the US Congress to take steps to remove the negative impact of the resolution and stop sending wrong signals to secessionist forces in Taiwan, he said.

Mainland analysts say the resolution smells of prejudice against China and does not comply with the stance of the White House.

"Quite a number of US congressmen are prejudiced against China. So it's not surprising to see such a resolution passed," said Shi Yinhong, director of Renmin University's Center for American Studies.

(China Daily 03/01/2008 page1)