Cyprus remains steadfast to the one-China policy and opposes holding referendum on UN membership by the Chinese Taipei authorities, Cypriot President Demetris Christofias said Wednesday.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Cyprus Zhao Yali, who said Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

Describing the planned referendum as an attempt by the Chinese Taipei authorities to split China, the president said such an action would inflict a negative impact on the peace and stability in eastern Asia and even the whole world.

Christofias also discussed Cyprus-China relations with Zhao, saying he looked forward to the promotion of bilateral cooperation in all fields.

Zhao expressed China's unwavering support for efforts to work out a just, viable and effective solution to the Cyprus issue based on related UN resolutions and international laws.

Cyprus was divided in 1974 when Turkey militarily intervened and occupied the north of the island following a coup by a group of Greek officers who pushed for union with Greece.

In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot authorities declared breakaway and set up "the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," which is recognized only by Turkey.

For several decades, the UN has continuously worked but failed to persuade the two communities to find a viable solution to the Cyprus issue.

UN peacekeepers have been stationed on the eastern Mediterranean island since 1964 to prevent further fighting between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.

(Xinhua News Agency March 20, 2008)