China blasts troublemaker Chen

Mainland authorities yesterday accused Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian of being a troublemaker after he proposed scrapping unification guidelines and applying to the United Nations for membership in his Lunar New Year speech, state media reported. Li Weiyi, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said Wednesday Chen's insistence on Taiwan independence risked peace and stability in the region. We will unswervingly adhere to the one-China principle, never give up efforts of peaceful reunification, nor change the principle of pinning hope on the Taiwan people, and never compromise on opposition to secessionist activities, Li said. Taiwan compatriots are our brothers and sisters and we will not change our solemn promise made to them because of the deliberate provocation made by the Taiwan authority leader."