China says its invitation to members of Taiwan's pro-independence ruling party to visit the mainland does not includeTaiwan's president and vice president.

A spokesman for Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office told reporters that Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian and Vice President Annette Lu are strong advocates of Taiwan's independence. He said this view is not shared by a majority Democratic Progressive Party members.

The spokesman made it clear that the invitation to visit the mainland, extended last week by Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen, does not apply to what he called the small number of members who agree with Mr. Chen and Ms. Lu.

The spokesman also reiterated Beijing's insistence that Taiwan accept the so-called "one China principle" that maintains that the island is an inseparable part of China. Beijing views Taiwan a renegade province.

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

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