Beijing: Chen provoking 'serious crisis'
(AP/Chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2006-02-26 18:22

Beijing on Sunday stepped up pressure on Taiwan's leader Chen Shui-bian, warning that his proposal to scrap guidelines calling for the island's unification with the mainland is stoking dangerous tension.

"The further escalation of Taiwanese independence and secessionist activities, pushed by Chen Shui-bian, will no doubt cause a serious crisis across the Taiwan Strait," the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said.

Chen's actions also threaten to "destroy peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region," the office was quoted as saying by the Xinhua News Agency.

Chen said last month he wants to drop the island's guidelines calling for eventual union with the mainland. 

The office's statement on Sunday said Chen was inciting tensions to distract public attention from his political and economic failings in Taiwan.

Chen Yunlin, minister of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, called the Taiwan leader's scheme "a dangerous sign of escalation of Taiwan secessionist activities."

He said cross-Straits ties will be severely dented and the fundamental interests of Taiwan compatriots will be ultimately damaged if Chen Shui-bian insists on the plan.

"We will do our best with utmost sincerity to maintain cross-Straits peace and stability while resolutely opposing any form of pro-independence activities," the minister said.

"We'll keep close watch on the development of the situation and prepare to deal with any possible complicated situation at any time."

Chen Yunlin made the remarks on the sidelines of his meeting with Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) delegation led by Tseng Yung-chuan, director of the party's central policy committee.

His warning echoed Beijing's statements slamming Chen Shui-bian as a "troublemaker" and "saboteur" of cross-Straits ties and peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

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