Beijing respects the "desire of the Taiwan people to develop and pursue democracy,"but opposes efforts by Taiwan's leaders to "cut off Taiwan from the sacred territory of the Chinese motherland,"Premier Wen Jiabao told CNN.

Wrapping up a three-day trip to the United States,the Chinese premier said Beijing opposes the Taiwan referendum that may lead the island to independence.

Playing down any prospect of war over the issue,he said,"The people of Taiwan are our blood brothers and sisters.So as long as even the slightest hope for peace exists,we will work to our utmost to strive for the peaceful process."

"However,we firmly oppose the attempts by certain security forces in Taiwan to pursue Taiwan independence under the disguise of promoting democracy in an attempt to cut off Taiwan from the mainland."

When Bush welcomed Wen to the White House on Tuesday,the president bluntly served notice that the United States opposes plans for a referendum in Taiwan that the administration views as a means of stoking pro-independence sentiment.Those comments were warmly greeted by Beijing.

Despite the warning,Taiwan "President"Chen Shui-bian defended the plans to hold the referendum,which would demand that Beijing reduce its military threat against the island.