But he stood by his position that relations between the two should be on a state-to-state basis.

The BBC's Jill McGivering: Taiwan sees no change in US policy

He said that he never meant to cause a row with China by suggesting relations with the mainland should be on a state-to-state basis.

President Lee said that the "policy of promoting constructive dialogue and genuine exchange has not changed".

He was speaking at a meeting with Richard Bush, Director of the American Institute in Taiwan which handles Washington's unofficial ties with Taipei.

Mr Bush was sent by US President Bill Clinton to express concern over President Lee's remarks.

President Clinton has reiterated Washington's support for the "one China" concept and called for a peaceful solution to the row.

Meanwhile US Assistant Secretary of State Stanley Roth has gone to hold talks on the issue in Beijing.

Lee unchanged

However, President Lee stood by his controversial remarks, made two weeks ago. He said that "this demonstrates the respect of public will in a democracy". He urged Beijing to "calm down and contemplate" the meaning of his remarks.

Taiwanese Foreign Minister Jason Hu said: "We have no intention of hurting relations between the United States and Chinese Communists when their ties are at a low point, nor do we want to damage our interaction with the United States."

New definition

Senior Taiwanese government officials say they reject the mainland's concept of a One China and want to redefine the island's de facto status as a separate state.

Dr Su Chi, the head of the main Taiwanese body dealing with the mainland, said Taiwan wanted to express its stance - that it is a political entity separate from and equal to the mainland - in clear and strong terms.

But he said Taiwan was still focused on the long-term goal of reunification.

As far as Taiwan was concerned, Dr Su said, "one China" was an abstract goal for the future, not an accurate description of the present reality.

Military threat

China accuses Taiwan of a serious provocation and says it is trying to split the country.

And the country's state media has launched a new round of attacks, describing President Lee as an advocate of Taiwanese independence.

Beijing has repeatedly threatened force if Taiwan took steps towards independence.

Taiwanese officials say they have no evidence to confirm reports in Hong Kong newspapers that the mainland is now making military preparations close to the Taiwan Straits.