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)