Taiwan authorities are continuing their "Taiwan independence" platform, and have recently staged a series of "gradual Taiwan independence" activities.

The first of such activities was to change the nameplate of its Information Office in order to eliminate the map of China on the original plate.

Next, an official order came into effect which urged all Taiwan institutions stationed outside the island to use the word "Taiwan" instead of "China" in their official name.

The English section of a Taiwan non-governmental institution producing annual records has been forced to make such a change, or have its subsidy frozen.

At the same time, the Taiwan authorities and the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan alleged to have made amendments to the constitution. Lee Teng-hui has announced a draft document of the so-called Taiwan Basic Law is being drawn up. Some extremists have even begun a campaign which calls for the establishment of the so-called "Republic of Taiwan," and eliminating the word "China" from the names of all the businesses and organizations on the island.

This year, the Taiwan authorities will add the word "Taiwan" to tourist passports, which the authorities say is "to distinguish Taiwan residents from others."

The decision of the passport change was said at the Taipei Assembly of the Taiwanese Public Affairs Conference to be the "best present" for the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the organization, which strongly advocates "Taiwan independence."

Obviously, these alterations are neither for the interest of the Taiwan people, nor a simple administrative decision. They constitute a meaningful political strategy + a strong movement towards "Taiwan Independence."

In fact, it is another intrigue for making "Two Chinas" or "One China, One Taiwan", and another maneuver by the Taiwan authorities to isolate Taiwan from the motherland. It is a dangerous step towards "Taiwan Independence."

The Taiwan authorities are carrying out premeditated and systematic moves to try to achieve "Taiwan independence".

Although the Taiwan leaders said they will not announce the "independence of Taiwan" when they came into power, the facts over the past two years have shown that they are working for the "independence of Taiwan," rather than abandoning it.

The media in Taiwan has made it clear. It has said that the Taiwan authorities are taking steps to realize their ambition -- "Taiwan independence", and even a fool knows this.

The activities for "gradual independence of Taiwan" have been condemned by the people of all walks of life in Taiwan. The Taiwan media point out that the disguised "Taiwan independence" measures will not only cause cross-straits tensions and conflicts, but also label the Taiwan leaders as "trouble makers" internationally.

Any form of "Taiwan independence" is doomed to failure, as Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The Chinese government's determination and ability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity are beyond doubt.

(People's Daily January 19, 2002)