China on Wednesday reiterated that the United States should abide by the principles agreed by the two nations on handling Taiwan issues.

Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai made the remarks in Beijing while briefing the media on Chinese President Hu Jintao's upcoming state visit to the United States.

The three joint communiques signed by China and the U.S. stipulate the basic principles on handling the Taiwan issue, he said.

"A proper handling of the Taiwan issue is vital to the the political basis of China-U.S. relations", Cui said.