The United States has urged China to tone down its aggressive rhetoric in the run-up to tomorrow's presidential election in Taiwan. Washington was responding to a comment by the Chinese Prime Minister, Zhu Rongji, that Beijing might take military action against Taiwan if it declares independence after the poll.
A State Department spokesman said China had been advised to show prudence and patience before and after the election. The American Defence Secretary, William Cohen, reminded Beijing that Washington was bound by treaty to help defend Taiwan.
