BEIJING, Feb. 23 (Xinhuanet) -- Taiwan authority leader Chen Shui-bian is risking Taiwan people's welfare by making a series of "Taiwan independence" remarks recently, signaling an escalation of secessionist activities in the island province, said a signed article released here on Thursday.

    The article, titled "Despicable Motive, Dangerous Provocation" and written by Hao Fan, accused Chen of playing a dangerous game of gambling and triggering a cross-Straits crisis by proposing to abolish the "National Unification Council" (NUC) and the "National Unification Guidelines" and to "apply for United Nations membership under the name of Taiwan."

    "(He) has taken Taiwanese safety and welfare as his personal sacrifice for political maneuver," said the article. "He is a challenger of Taiwanese mainstream will and practical interests, and a troublemaker and destructor in cross-Straits relations threatening peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and theworld at large."

    On May 20, 2000, Chen promised not to declare "Taiwan independence," incorporate the "two states" idea into the "constitution," change the so-called country's name, hold a "referendum" on "Taiwan independence," or to abolish the "NUC" and the "National Unification Guidelines."

    Chen, however, has broken his commitment by pushing "de jure independence" and challenging the one-China principle widely recognized in the international community, the article said.

    Regardless of strong objections from all circles, he even ordered the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to put "sovereignty-related" topics such as "national flag, national title and territory" on the "constitutional reform" agenda.

    "All these have sent dangerous signals that his secessionist activities are escalating and he is masterminding a new crisis in the Taiwan Straits," said the article.

    The mainland will try its best to work for the welfare of the Taiwan people and overcome all difficulties and obstacles to promote peace and stability in cross-Straits relations, said the article. Enditem