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Hu Jintao condemns Chen's secession move
(China Daily/Agenciecs)
Updated: 2006-03-01 05:40
President Hu Jintao Tuesday denounced Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian for
scrapping a policy-making council on unification with the mainland, warning that
"anyone who moves against the trend of history is doomed to failure."
Hu called Chen's decision "a dangerous step forward towards Taiwan
independence."
Despite repeated warnings from Beijing and strong opposition within and
outside the island, Chen announced on Monday that the "national unification
council" founded in 1990 shall "cease to function" and the "national unification
guidelines" shall "cease to apply."
Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) talks with US
President George W. Bush before meeting the press in Beijing November 20,
2005. [newsphoto] |
"It's a grave provocation to the one-China policy universally adhered to by
the international community and cross-Straits peace and stability," Hu was
quoted as saying during a meeting with visiting Swiss Defence Minister Samuel
Schmid.
The president said Beijing has the unswerving will and determination to
oppose Taiwan secessionist forces and their activities.
"We will continue to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification, but
we will never tolerate the secession of Taiwan from the motherland," Hu said.
U.S. Stance
But deputy US State Department spokesman Adam Ereli said Washington believed
that Taiwan has not abolished the "National Unification Council".
Ereli said Washington was in contact with both sides of the Taiwan Straits
"urging them to, again, refrain from unilateral acts, reminding them of our
position with regard to the importance of dialogue, and our preference for an
approach that avoids provocative steps or avoids unilateral actions."
The spokesman said the United States is "concerned generally about any
actions that heighten tension across the (Taiwan) Straits."
Ereli emphasized that Washington does "not support Taiwan independence".
But he reaffirmed the US position that it does not believe Taiwan has
scrapped its "National Unification Council" and guidelines on working towards
eventual reunification of China.
He added: "Our understanding is that president Chen did not abolish the
National Unification Council," Ereli said.
The spokesman reaffirmed that the United States does "not support Taiwanese
independence".
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