Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian asked the visiting head of Hewlett-Packard Company to press China to open direct charter air links with the island, but the company said it had refused to become involved.
Pressure has been mounting on the Taiwan government from business to end a five-decade ban on direct air links with China, where Taiwan investment has topped US$100 billion.
Talks have remained stalled for five years as the two sides wrestle over the status of the island's sovereignty.
Chen told Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina during a meeting on Friday that the opening of direct charter passenger and cargo flights between China and Taiwan was in the interest of the international community.
"I hope you can take this principle and continue to express it to the Beijing authorities and seek support from the United States," said Chen, according to a statement from the presidential office.
The company said Fiorina's visit to Taiwan was strictly for business.
"The purpose of her visit in Taiwan is to meet with our customers and she believes that businesses should stick to business and leave politics to politicians," it said in a statement late on Friday.
On Saturday, the presidential office issued a statement clarifying Chen's words, saying "The president has not asked and does not need any businesses or people to pass messages on his behalf or be his messenger."
Fiorina left for the United States on Friday.
China offered a cool response to Taiwan's invitation earlier this week to send envoys to discuss the opening of direct charter flights.
Beijing held to its previous stance that flights must be designated domestic and not international, a condition Taiwan rejects.
Taiwan people visiting China must fly via a third city, usually Hong Kong.
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