WASHINGTON, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The United States said Tuesday that it opposes an attempt by the leader of Taiwan to hold a referendum on whether to join the United Nations under the name of Taiwan, saying that such a move could change the status quo unilaterally and increase tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

    "The United States opposes any initiative that appears designed to change Taiwan's status unilaterally. This would include a referendum on whether to apply to the United Nations under the name Taiwan," U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said at a news briefing.

    McCormack said while such a referendum would have no practical impact on Taiwan's UN status, it would increase tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

    Moreover, the spokesman said, such a move would also appear to run counter to repeated commitments made by the leader of Taiwan to the international community.

    "Consistent with our one-China policy, we do not support Taiwan's membership in international organizations that require statehood, including the United Nations," McCormack said.

    "We support Taiwan's inclusion, as appropriate, in international organizations that do not require statehood for membership," he added.

Chinese mainland official slams "referendum" promoted by Taiwan separatists

    BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The "referendum" promoted by Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian about whether the island should join the United Nations under the name "Taiwan" will have a strong impact on cross-Strait relations, said a mainland official here on Wednesday.

    Yang Yi, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, told a press conference that the "referendum" was an important step towards "de jure independence of Taiwan" promoted by Chen Shui-bian.  Full story

Mainland official condemns Taiwan separatist activities

    BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland official Wednesday lashed out against the secessionist activities of Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

    Li Weiyi, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, told a press conference that the real aim of the "referendum" promoted by Chen Shui-bian and the DPP about whether the island should join the United Nations under the name of "Taiwan" is to change the status of Taiwan and split Taiwan from China.  Full story