Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's recent decision to end the "National Unification Council" and cease the application of its guidelines is merely "word play" and a "dangerous step" toward "Taiwan independence," said Jiang Enzhu, spokesman for the annual session of China's National People's Congress, while answering a question from Taiwan journalist at a press conference held in Beijing Saturday.

"It's a dangerous move for overthrowing his own 'five no's' pledges and a dangerous step toward 'Taiwan independence'," said Jiang.

"It constitutes a grave provocation of the one-China principle universally accepted by the international community and peace across the Taiwan Straits," he added.

The move of Chen has met strong opposition of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits and severely denounced by the international community.

"It's our steadfast will and determination to oppose 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces and activities, maintain peace across the Taiwan Straits and safeguard China's state sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Jiang.

The spokesman said the mainland will continue to make the utmost effort to maintain and promote peaceful and steady development of cross-Straits relations and strive for peaceful reunification of the motherland.

"But we will never allow anybody to make Taiwan secede from China. The attempt of the 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces to split Taiwan from China under any name and in any means will never succeed," said Jiang.

(Xinhua News Agency March 4, 2006)