Chinese President Hu Jintao on Tuesday slashed the decision of Taiwan authorities to cease the function of "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 here Tuesday afternoon.

Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian announced Monday that the "National Unification Council" shall "cease to function" and the "National Unification Guidelines" shall "cease to apply."

"Despite the strong opposition within and outside the island, the Taiwan authorities went its own way," Hu said.

It is a grave provocation to the one-China policy universally observed by the international community and to the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, he noted.

"It's also a dangerous step on the road toward 'Taiwan Independence'," Hu said.

"It's our unswerving will and determination to oppose 'Taiwan Independence' secessionist forces and their activities and to safeguard the peace and stability across the Straits," the president said.

"We will continue to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification, but never tolerate the secession of Taiwan from the motherland," Hu said. "Anyone who moves against historical trend is doomed to failure."

Source: Xinhua