A Chinese mainland official Wednesday lashed out against the secessionist activities of Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Li Weiyi, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, told a press conference that the real aim of the "referendum" promoted by Chen Shui-bian and the DPP about whether the island should join the United Nations under the name of "Taiwan" is to split Taiwan from China.

"We are monitoring the situation closely," Li said.

He also condemned the so-called "Normal Country Resolution" being drafted by the DPP, saying "It's a dangerous act by a small number of diehard Taiwan separatists who want to impose their 'Taiwan independence' ideas on all the members of the DPP."

(Xinhua News Agency May 30, 2007)