Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Mainland China has called Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian's latest push to hold a referendum to join the United Nations under the name of Taiwan a "provocation,” branding the staunch supporter of Taiwan independence a “traitor.”
“If Chen Shui-bian obstinately and recklessly takes dangerous moves irrespective of warnings and denouncement of the international community, he must shoulder all serious consequences,” said Li Weiyi, mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman.
Chen has been trying for some time to get Taiwan accepted back into the international community.
Despite China’s 2005 Anti-Secession Law authorising the People's Liberation Army to attack Taiwan if the island took any moves towards declaring independence, the Taiwanese leader has tried repeatedly to get a seat in the United Nations, so far to no avail.
Even the United States, Taiwan’s historic ally, has criticised Chen’s decision to hold a referendum on UN membership.