Chinese communities in Japan have strongly condemned Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian for his so-called "four wants and one no" secessionist remarks.

Chen said recently that he wanted independence, a new constitution, development, and new names for local firms that use the word "China" in their title.

The Association of All Japan Overseas Chinese for Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China denounced Chen for attempting to push forward "de jure independence" through the so-called constitutional reforms, and to accelerate secessionist activities.

On behalf of more than 600,000 Chinese in Japan, "we vehemently condemn Chen for his secessionist activities and will not allow anybody by any form to split Taiwan from China," the association said in a statement.

The Japan Association for Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China said in a separate statement that Chinese nationals in Japan are firmly opposed to Chen's "Taiwan independence" remarks.

Chen's secessionist activities showed his total disregard for the interests of the nation and the people and they are doomed to failure, it said.

The Japan Research Center on Cross Strait Relations said Chen was obviously trying to divert public attention from his corruption cases.

It is the responsibility of all Chinese to combat "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities and maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait, the research center said.

Source: Xinhua