BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- 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 change the status of Taiwan and split Taiwan from China.

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

    "We will not tolerate 'Taiwan Independence', and we will not tolerate the Taiwan secessionists' efforts to split Taiwan from China in any form and by whatever means," said Li.

    Commenting on former Taiwan leader Lee Teng-hui's visit to Japan, Li said the Chinese mainland is strongly opposed to anyone conducting separatist activities in countries which have diplomatic relations with China.

    "We hope Japan will abide by the three political documents including the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, and fulfill its promise on the Taiwan issue through its actions, and will not provide a stage for Taiwan separatist activities," 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."

    The so-called "Normal Country Resolution" refers to establishing a "Taiwan country", enacting a new "constitution", and "de-sinicizing".

    It aims to create the conditions for the "de jure independence of Taiwan", provoke conflicts within Taiwan society and cause tension across the Taiwan Strait, Li said.

    He emphasized that DPP leaders and the small number of diehard secessionists must give up their "Taiwan Independence" ambitions and cease separatist activities.

    Chinese mainland has always believed that most DPP members do not share the views of the small number of diehard secessionists, Li said.

    "We believe most DPP members understand not only Taiwan's history but also the trends in cross-Strait relations and in the world, and understand that "Taiwan Independence" is doomed to fail," Li said.

    As soon as the DPP gives up its pro-independence policy and stops secessionist activities, the Chinese mainland will respond positively, Li added.

Chinese FM spokesperson: Taiwan's attempt to join WHO will never succeed

    BEIJING, May 15 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said here Tuesday that Taiwan's attempt to join the World Health Organization (WHO) was doomed to failure.

    "The Taiwan authorities' attempt to use the health card as a way of seeking 'de jure Taiwan independence' will never succeed," said spokeswoman Jiang Yu.  Full story

WHO assembly rejects proposal on Taiwan membership

    GENEVA, May 14 (Xinhua) -- The 60th World Health Assembly (WHA) announced Monday that a proposal on making Taiwan a "member state" of the World Health Organization (WHO) will not be included in the conference's provisional agenda.

    The announcement was made by Jane Halton, president of the Assembly and secretary of the Department of Health and Aging of Australia, following a recommendation from the 25-member General Committee and then a roll call vote by member states at the plenary session.  Full story