Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's speech calling for independence was a ploy to divert public attention from scandals surrounding his administration, a senior Chinese legislator said in Beijing on Friday.

Speaking at the 19th session of the tenth Central Standing Committee of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomingtang, He Luli, the party's chairwoman, described Chen's "four wants" remarks as another "dangerous" step towards secession.

In a speech on Sunday, Chen called for independence, a new constitution, development, and new names for local firms that use the word "China" in their title.

"This year is a critical time to oppose Taiwan independence and maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait," said He, who is also vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

"Chen's 'four wants' policy is meant to push forward de jure independence through so-called constitutional reform and to create tension between the two sides so as to shift public attention from his scandal."

Chen's wife, Wu Shu-chen, is on trial on charges of embezzlement, forgery of documents and perjury, involving 14.8 million New Taiwan dollars (US$448,500).

Chen has also been investigated, but as the island's leader he has immunity from prosecution.

(Xinhua News Agency March 10, 2007)