Lawmakers of the Chinese mainland on Friday slammed Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian for scrapping the " National Unification Council" and the guidelines on unification, stressing Chen goes against the mainstay public opinion in Taiwan for "de jure independence" of the island.

Chen's decision that the Council shall "cease to function" and the guidelines "cease to apply" is another major step to push forward "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities since he took power in the island in 2000, said Fan Zengsheng, a deputy to China's top legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC), representing Taiwan.

The move also indicated Chen's attempt to distract public attention to his poor governance and a series of scandals of his aides so as to relieve the crisis threatening his personal powers, Fan told Xinhua.

The efforts of the Chinese mainland last year to benefit compatriots in Taiwan, including a series of preferential policies, have resulted in improving relations across the Taiwan Straits and curbing the "Taiwan independence" activities, he noted.

But Chen, the world-known trouble maker, did not take his defeat and tried to create a tension across the Straits by making the decision, Fan said.

Chen deserves the condemnation of all Chinese throughout the world for the violation of his own commitment, he added.

Wang Qiongying, an NPC deputy also representing Taiwan, said Chen's scrapping of the Council and the guidelines is to create conditions for "de jure independence" of Taiwan, which will bring danger to people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

"Many people in Taiwan believe Chen is preparing a grave to bury himself as he continues to go on the road of 'Taiwan independence'," said Wang.

Source: Xinhua