Chinese President Hu Jintao on Tuesday lashed Taiwan authorities for their decision to close down the operations of its "National Unification Council" and the application of its guidelines, saying it is a "dangerous step" toward " Taiwan Independence."

Hu made the remarks while meeting with visiting Swiss Defence Minister Samuel Schmid on Tuesday afternoon.

Taiwan leader, Chen Shui-bian, announced Monday that the "National Unification Council" would "cease to function" and the "National Unification Guidelines" would "cease to apply." Chen signed relevant papers Tuesday morning.

"Despite the strong opposition from inside and outside the island the Taiwan authorities went their own way," Hu said. It was a grave provocation to the one-China policy universally observed by the International Community and threatened the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, he  added..

"It's also a dangerous step on the road toward 'Taiwan Independence'," Hu said. "We are determined to oppose 'Taiwan Independence' secessionist forces and their activities and to safeguard the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.

"We will continue working towards peaceful reunification but never tolerate the secession of Taiwan from the motherland," Hu said. "Anyone who moves against the historical evidence on this subject is doomed to failure."

Schmid said that the Swiss Government will, as always, adhere to the one-China policy. China's efforts in safeguarding peace and stability and promoting exchanges across the Taiwan Straits were appreciated.

On China-Swiss relations Hu said there had been sound developments with fruitful cooperation in areas of trade, culture, defense and science and technology. The two countries also had sound communication and coordination within international organizations and on international affairs, Hu added.

He called for the two countries to communicate further and to continue cooperating in the promotion of the Sino-Swiss friendship. Schmid said Switzerland regarded China as an important partner.

"Our relationship confirms the fundamental interests of the two sides to develop bilateral cooperation in trade, the economy, foreign affairs and defense," said the Minister. Bilateral cooperation would also help improve the well being of people in the two countries and assist in safeguarding world peace. Switzerland was to make further contributions to the friendly cooperation with China, he noted.

Chinese Defence Minister, Cao Gangchuan, who is also a state Councilor and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Committee, attended the meeting at the Great Hall of the People.

(Xinhua News Agency March 1, 2006)