OLYMPICS GAMES 2008:The Olympic torch will not pass through Taiwan because negotiators could not resolve differences with the Beijing authorities, officials have confirmed.

The two sides disagreed over the route the torch should take on its way to the Beijing Games in 2008.

Taiwanese officials also objected to Chinese insistence that the use of Taiwan's flag and national anthem be limited at torch-related events.

China described the outcome as a "vile precedent". Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory. They have, however, been separately governed since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949.

Beijing has planned a lengthy route for the Olympic torch. It will pass through more than 20 cities and ascend Mount Everest on its way to the Chinese capital.

In the original schedule, the torch was to arrive in Taiwan from Vietnam and then go on to Hong Kong.