President Hu Jintao Tuesday denounced Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian for scrapping a policy-making council on unification with the mainland, warning that "anyone who moves against the trend of history is doomed to failure."

Hu called Chen's decision "a dangerous step forward towards Taiwan independence."

Despite repeated warnings from Beijing and strong opposition within and outside the island, Chen announced on Monday that the "national unification council" founded in 1990 shall "cease to function" and the "national unification guidelines" shall "cease to apply."

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) talks with US President George W. Bush before meeting the press in Beijing November 20, 2005. [newsphoto]

"It's a grave provocation to the one-China policy universally adhered to by the international community and cross-Straits peace and stability," Hu was quoted as saying during a meeting with visiting Swiss Defence Minister Samuel Schmid.

The president said Beijing has the unswerving will and determination to oppose Taiwan secessionist forces and their activities.

"We will continue to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification, but we will never tolerate the secession of Taiwan from the motherland," Hu said.

U.S. Stance

But deputy US State Department spokesman Adam Ereli said Washington believed that Taiwan has not abolished the "National Unification Council".

Ereli said Washington was in contact with both sides of the Taiwan Straits "urging them to, again, refrain from unilateral acts, reminding them of our position with regard to the importance of dialogue, and our preference for an approach that avoids provocative steps or avoids unilateral actions."

The spokesman said the United States is "concerned generally about any actions that heighten tension across the (Taiwan) Straits."

Ereli emphasized that Washington does "not support Taiwan independence".

But he reaffirmed the US position that it does not believe Taiwan has scrapped its "National Unification Council" and guidelines on working towards eventual reunification of China.

He added: "Our understanding is that president Chen did not abolish the National Unification Council," Ereli said.

The spokesman reaffirmed that the United States does "not support Taiwanese independence".

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