BEIJING, March 4 (UPI) -- A Chinese official said Saturday the abolition of the National Unification Council is a "grave provocation" by Taiwan's president, Chen Shui-bian.
"It's our steadfast will and determination to oppose 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces and activities, maintain peace across the Taiwan Straits and safeguard China's state sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Jiang Enzhu, spokesman for the National People's Congress.
Jiang made his comments in response to a question from a Taiwanese reporter at a news conference, Xinhua, the official Chinese news agency, reported.
While Taiwan is effectively an independent country with its own president and parliament, only a small number of other countries extend full recognition. Taiwan is also excluded from the United Nations and other international bodies.
