Chinese Ambassador to the US Zhou Wenzhong talks about China-US relations in this April 13, 2006 photo. [Xinhua]

WASHINGTON - China's ambassador to the United States urged Washington on Wednesday to continue sending a clear message condemning Taiwan independence and to stop selling weapons to the island.

Zhou Wenzhong said in a speech that how the United States and China deal with Taiwan is crucial to the overall development of US-Chinese relations.

"The question needs to be handled with great care and great caution," Zhou told an audience gathered at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies.

Zhou urged the United States to honor the one-China policy "not only in words but also in deeds."

Washington recognizes China and has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The United States maintains extensive unofficial relations with the island, however, and has pledged to see that Taiwan has the means to defend itself.

Zhou also condemned as reckless recent remarks by Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian advocating "Taiwan independence."