China on Wednesday voiced deep concern and strong discontent over the United States mistakenly shipping cone-shaped fuses for intercontinental ballistic missiles to Taiwan.

"We have expressed deep concern and strong discontent on this incident and lodged representation with the U.S. side," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang said in Beijing.

Media reports said the U.S. Defence Department had mistakenly shipped four cone-shaped fuses for intercontinental ballistic missiles to Taiwan in 2006. The United States is making arrangements for the return of the fuses.

"We demand the U.S. side to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident, promptly come up with truthful and detailed information for the Chinese side and eradicate the negative impact and evil consequences hence incurred," Qin told reporters.

He urged the U.S. side to adhere to the serious commitment it has made to the Chinese side in the "August 17" Sino-U.S. joint communique. He urged the United States to cease arm sales and military links with Taiwan in a bid to "avoid damaging peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the healthy and stable development of Sino-U.S. relations".

(Xinhua News Agency March 27, 2008)