It was an action of "gradual Taiwan independence," Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told a press conference.

"It undermines cross-Straits relations, and puts us on high alert," Liu said.

He stressed there is only one China in the world and both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan belong to China.

It is reported that Taiwanese passports, which are currently marked in English as "the Republic of China," will have "Taiwan" added to the front.

These passports will be issued on September 1 after the current stock of passports is used up.

Taiwan "foreign minister" Eugene Chien said last Thursday the new passports would clear up confusion for both travellers and customs officials on "the Republic of China" and "the People's Republic of China."

"China's sovereignty and territory integrity allows for no separation," Liu said, adding Taiwan's attempt to seek separation and "Taiwan independence" will never succeed.

Liu said China hopes the international community respects China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity and remains alert to Taiwan's attempts to split China.

Commenting on a French proposal to send peacekeeping forces to the Middle East, Liu said China welcomes and supports all initiatives and efforts conducive to security and stability in the region.

"Safeguarding peace and stability in the Middle East is the responsibility and obligation of the international community," Liu said.

Liu noted that China hopes the parties concerned will adopt flexible attitudes on this issue, show sincerity and implement the roadmap plan for the Middle East at an early date.

In response to the criticism by Ruud Lubbers, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, of China's handling of illegal immigrants from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Liu said that China sticks to both international and domestic law in dealing with them.

(China Daily June 18, 2003)