Beijing is launching a series of diplomatic offensives to further isolate Taiwan after President Bill Clinton's declaration of the 'three nos' principle on Tuesday.
Beijing sources said Chinese diplomats were putting 'tremendous pressure' on Washington to live up to Mr Clinton's pronouncement that Washington did not support Taiwan independence or 'one China, one Taiwan', and would not back Taiwan's entry to world bodies.
'The US will be asked to take concrete action to stop efforts by official and unofficial groups in Taiwan seeking its readmission to the United Nations,' an informed source said.
'For example, Beijing hopes the US will not grant entry visas to known UN activists from Taiwan, who converge on New York every autumn.' A Western diplomat said Beijing had also twisted Washington's arm on not granting entry or transit visas to senior Taiwan officials.
For example, Beijing hoped no visa at all would be granted to Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui, and that visas for Taiwan cabinet members would be 'minimised'.
Beijing also wanted reassurance from the US that Taiwan would not enter the World Trade Organisation earlier than mainland China.
