Hong Kong newspapers have carried editorials in the past few days, criticizing Taiwan authority leader Chen Shui-bian's recent "Taiwan independence" remarks.

Chen Shui-bian proposed on Jan. 29 in his lunar new year speech abolishing the "National Unification Council (NUC) and the National Unification Guidelines" and "applying for United Nations membership under the name of Taiwan."

The Chinese language Wen Wei Po daily said in its editorial on Jan. 31 that Chen attempted to break his promise made in 2000 and reaffirmed in 2004 on not abolishing the "NUC" and the guidelines. Chen is now trying to destroy the cross-Straits relations which are on the way of relaxation of the tension, it added.

The daily said that Chen also claimed to arrange "referendum on a new constitution" next year, and that it is also a dangerous act. If Chen hopes to increase his popularity by these remarks, this will lead to just the opposite.

The Chinese language Mingpao daily said in its editorial on Feb. 1 that Chen's remarks are aimed at aggravating the tension across the Taiwan Straits.

The editorial said the United States had made an unusual response by opposing Chen's remarks. This indicated that the United States all the more believes that Chen is also a trouble- maker like some other former Taiwan authority leaders.

During their voting in the county heads elections at the end of last year, Taiwan people expressed their opposition to the extreme "Taiwan independence" guidelines that could endanger their happiness and welfare, it said.

The Chinese language The Sun daily said in its article on Jan. 31 that it is very difficult for Chen to advocate its "Taiwan independence" under the current international situation. However, he will not sit back and wait for his stepping down from the political power, and people should guard against his further acts in this regard, the newspaper said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 3, 2006)