The assurance came after China asked Bangladesh to take effective steps to shut down the office that Beijing said was operating with political and diplomatic motives and as part of 'separatist activities against China'.

"I handed over a letter from Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing to his counterpart here regarding the hot issue in the press -- the Taiwanese liaison office," Chinese Ambassador in Bangladesh Chai Xi told reporters after he spent two hours talking to Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan and foreign secretary.

The Chinese foreign minister said in the letter the Taiwanese office was launched as part of 'separatist activities against China'.

Chai Xi said: "We hope Bangladesh will take the matter seriously and take effective steps to close the office, which was issuing visa forms."

He pointed out that the Chinese embassy obtained visa forms from the Taiwanese office in Gulshan, adding: "You (journalists) can also get forms from there."

"This office is not representing any private enterprise. It's an official office. According to our information, this office was set up on March 1. We still hope Bangladesh will not allow this," he said.

Beijing assured Dhaka of non-objection to private business between Bangladesh and Taiwan.

Morshed said Bangladesh firmly believed in "one-China policy" and condemned a statement of the Taiwanese foreign minister, who said the office will begin diplomatic ties between the two countries.

On the letter from the Chinese foreign minister, Morshed said: "Bangladesh will never allow Taiwan to get diplomatic and political gains in the name of business."

"The letter says the office started political activities in the name of supporting Taiwanese business," Morshed said of the content of the letter.

"In my investigation, this office did not issue any visa and I have told the Chinese ambassador about it categorically," Morshed said.

"The availability of visa forms does not prove its political intent. Any travel agent can get visa forms," he said, adding the Taiwan office did not begin its operation.

"If we have proof that this office has done anything like that, we will have no option but to close it down. We won't allow Taiwan to take any diplomatic or political gain from this office."

"This is a trade representative office," Morshed said, pointing out that he held a meeting with Board of Investment Chairman Mahmudur Rahman yesterday.

The minister said there was no enmity with the people of Taiwan and Bangladesh considers Taiwan part of China.

Bangladesh and Taiwan do not have diplomatic ties, but private sector trade has boomed over the years. Bangladesh and China have traditionally warm ties, with Beijing an important donor and military supplier.