BEIJING, Feb. 28 (Xinhuanet) -- The Chinese mainland made a statement Tuesday against Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's malevolent declaration that the Taiwan-based "National Unification Council" shall "cease to function" and the guidelines on unification shall also "cease to apply."

    Despite strong opposition from people across the Taiwan Straits and the international community, Chen made the decision on Feb. 27.

    Though Chen didn't use the premeditated word "abolish" but the word "cease," "it is just a play of words. His real intention is to cheat the Taiwan people and the world," says the statement jointly issued by the Taiwan Work Office of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

    The statement said Chen Shui-bian's intention of seeking "Taiwan independence" is known to all.

    It is apparent he attempts to speed up "Taiwan independence" through putting an end to the council and guidelines, yet he lies that the move "doesn't involve the change of the status quo," said the statement.

    It is apparent he has malevolently challenged the peace across the Taiwan Straits and created tension in cross-Straits relations, yet he uses the excuse that "the mainland poses threat to Taiwan," the statement said.

    Chen has overturned the established foundation for cross-Straits talks and closed the door to cross-Straits consultation, yet he prattles about "building an effective mechanism to promote mutual trust and communication through consultation and dialogue."

    Chen has selfishly attempted to impose the nightmare of "Taiwan independence" advocated by a few people on the 23 million Taiwan people, yet he calls it "respects the free choice of Taiwan people," said the statement.

    "Such tricks of Chen Shui-bian have already been seen through by the world. He will only end up hurting himself in this farce," said the statement.

    The statement said the "de jure independence" activities, pushed by Chen through the so-called "constitutional reform", pose grave threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and in the Asia-Pacific region in general.

    "The level and danger of 'de jure independence' activities, pushed by Chen Shui-bian through 'constitutional reform', continues to rise," it said.

    "If his aim is achieved, it will inevitably create intense tension of cross-Straits relations and gravely imperil peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and in the Asia-Pacific region in general," says the statement.

    It says to resolutely oppose and check Chen Shui-bian's activities to push "de jure independence" through "constitutional reform" is the most important and most urgent task at present.

    Chen's radical "Taiwan independence" line, said the statement, will bring disaster to the Taiwan society.

    "Chen Shui-bian has obstinately promoted radical 'Taiwan independence' line and stirred up all-round confrontation and conflict within Taiwan and across the Taiwan Straits. It will only bring disaster to the Taiwan society," said the statement.

    "Taiwan independence" runs counter to the mainstream of Chinese history and current trends of development and it goes against the will and aspiration of the 1.3 billion Chinese people," the statement said. "It is doomed to fail."

    The Chinese mainland reaffirmed its commitments to Taiwan compatriots, saying the mainland will make the utmost efforts with the most sincerity to protect their rights in any circumstances.

    "We'll promote cross-Straits personnel exchanges and economic and cultural exchanges and advance the process of direct links of mail, shipping and trade," said the statement.

    It said the mainland will work with Taiwan compatriots to safeguard and promote the peaceful and steady development of cross-Straits relations and to strive for peaceful reunification.

    "We resolutely oppose 'Taiwan independence' and will never allow 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces to secede Taiwan from the motherland under any name or by any means," the statement said. Enditem