Chen Shui-bian's attempt to promote the "referendum" on March 20 in Taiwan is a dangerous and provocative bid to prepare for "Taiwan independence," said Luo Yuan, a researcher with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Military Academy of Sciences.

"Chen, just like a gambler, is leading Taiwan to the brink of war," Luo told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.

Disregarding the strong objections of the mainland and international society and acting against the fundamental interest of the Taiwan people, Chen is stubbornly pushing forward the "referendum" to help his reelection and edge toward "Taiwan independence," Luo said.

The mainland announced in 1979 that peaceful reunification was its basic guideline for solving the Taiwan issue, and has made great efforts to show its goodwill.

In 1995, President Jiang Zemin proposed negotiations under the one-China principle to end the hostile situation, but the "Taiwan independence" stance of Lee Teng-hui and Chen Shui-bian undermined the cross-Straits talks. Relations actually worsened as the references to independence became more provocative, said Luo.

The mainland has patiently endured the continued provocation from the Taiwan authorities, but this does not mean it seeks peace at any price, Luo said, adding that peace cannot be gained through concessions to the "Taiwan independence" forces.

With Taiwan separatist activities rampant, the mainland is shouldering the great responsibility of safeguarding the integrity of China's territory and sovereignty, Luo stated, noting that the mainland will try its best to seek peaceful reunification while there is still hope.

(Xinhua News Agency March 10, 2004)