China again slams Taiwan independence talk

BEIJING, Mar 6 (Reuters) China denounced Taiwan's latest talk of independence as ''deliberate provocation'' and ''a dangerous step'' that does not take into account consequences for territory Beijing claims as its own.

Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian said on Sunday that the self-ruled island should pursue independence and change its official title, ''the Republic of China'', prompting its key ally, the United States, to express concern.

''It once again demonstrates that Chen is a politician with no credibility,'' China's policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office said in a statement posted on its Web site, referring to Chen's pledges not to change the status quo when he took power in 2000.

China and Taiwan split in 1949 amid civil war and an increasing number of Taiwan people have clamoured for a separate national identity in recent years. But Beijing has vowed to bring the democratic island back to the fold, by force if necessary.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing yesterday dismissed Chen's remarks as those of a ''local leader'', and state media today quoted senior army officers as saying the military was ready to foil any Taiwan independence bid.

With just one year to go before his second four-year term ends, Chen said he now wants independence, a new constitution, development and new names for local firms that have the word ''China'' in their titles.

''It is aimed at deliberately provoking the mainland and creating cross-Strait tensions so that public attention (to his graft scandals) can be diverted and he can get out of his predicament,'' said the Taiwan Affairs Office statement seen today.

''Chen did not hesitate to sacrifice Taiwan compatriots' interests and did not care about any consequences by making the comments. We will closely watch further developments.'' Chen has been plagued by corruption scandals that have led to the indictment of his wife and the conviction of his son-in-law. His independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lacks the two-thirds parliamentary majority needed to call a referendum on changing the constitution.

The DPP is looking to parliamentary elections later this year to strengthen its hand and fend off the main opposition Nationalist Party, which favours close ties with China, ahead of next year's presidential election.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack called Chen's comments ''unhelpful'' and reiterated that the United States did not support independence for Taiwan.

The United States switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, recognising ''one China'', but is obliged by the Taiwan Relations Act to help the island defend itself.

REUTERS BDP SSC1043