BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin reiterated that the mainland will resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities at a parliament panel discussion with the country's lawmakers on Thursday.

    The 1.3 billion Chinese people have the confidence and capability to maintain national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will never allow any person to split Taiwan from China in any form, said Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

    The central government's efforts in checking "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities and promoting the peaceful development of mainland-Taiwan relations last year helped maintain stable ties between the two sides, Jia told a group of deputies of Taiwan origin to the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature.

    However, Jia, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also warned of Taiwan authorities' stubborn insistence on the secessionist road and their pursuit of "de jure independence" through so-called "constitutional reform".

    Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's latest secessionist remarks marked another dangerous step toward the "independence" scheme, he said.

    At a secessionists' gathering on the night of March 4, Chen said Taiwan must seek independence, must rectify its name, must have a new constitution and must seek development.

    Jia called more efforts to promote the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait under the new circumstances, with adherence to the basic principles of "One country, Two systems" and "Peaceful Reunification".