PRESIDENT Jiang Zemin’s forthcoming visit to the United States is significant for the further development of constructive and cooperative Sino-U.S. ties, Vice President Hu Jintao Monday told U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage. Hu explained China’s consistent policy and principled stance on the Taiwan issue.China would never allow the independence of Taiwan nor tolerate the harm caused by the separatist forces in Taiwan to China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said.Armitage reiterated that the U.S. Government adhered to the One-China Policy and showed no support for Taiwan independence, adding that its stance remained unchanged.The U.S. was willing to strengthen cooperation with China, including the fight against terrorism, and hoped to handle differences constructively, he said, adding that cooperation between the two countries was helpful in tackling many international problems.Armitage announced Monday in a press conference that the United States had added the East Turkestan Islamic Movement to its list of terrorist organizations. The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State said Sino-U.S. cooperation on counter-terrorism was forging ahead and both sides planned to have a second meeting on choking off funds to alleged terrorist groups.Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said China welcomed the U.S. decision and hoped the two sides could strengthen their cooperation on anti-proliferation while meeting Armitage Monday.Vice Premier Qian Qichen also met Richard Armitage, saying that the Chinese Government was actively engaged in promoting the three direct links of trade, transport and postal services across the Taiwan Straits.