A spokesman from Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret at Taiwan's move on the "National Unification Council (NUC)" and the "National Unification Guidelines" in a statement Monday.

"It will raise concerns about Taiwan's intentions and it is not conducive to the maintenance of stable cross-strait relations," the spokesman said in response to media queries.

He reiterated that Singapore has a one-China policy and is opposed to any unilateral move to change the status quo across the Taiwan Straits.

Taiwan authority leader Chen Shui-bian announced in Taipei Monday afternoon a decision to stop the operation of the "National Unification Council" and application of the "National Unification Guidelines".

The action was strongly opposed and criticized by both senior officials in the Chinese mainland and Taiwan's major parties, including Chinese Kuomintang, the People First Party and Non- Partisan Solidarity Union.

On May 20, 2000, Chen promised not to declare "Taiwan Independence," not to incorporate the "two states" idea into the " constitution," not to change the so-called "country's name," not to hold a "referendum" on "Taiwan Independence," and not to abolish the "NUC" and the "National Unification Guidelines."

The "NUC" was established in 1990 by the Taiwan authorities headed by Lee Teng-hui, and fourteen meetings had been held since its establishment. However, no "NUC" meeting has been held since Chen Shui-bian became Taiwan leader.

The "National Unification Guidelines" were issued in 1991, saying both the mainland and Taiwan are under the sovereignty of China and promoting the country's reunification should be the common task of all Chinese. The guidelines also outlined a three- phase goal for the realization of China's reunification.

Source: Xinhua