Yang Yi, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, listens to a question during a press conference in Beijing, June 13, 2007. [Photo: CNS]

A mainland official said on Wednesday that the so-called referendum promoted by Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian will have a strong impact on Cross-Straits relations.

The referendum is about whether the island should join the United Nations under the name of Taiwan.

The official notes that China will not tolerate Taiwan independence in any form.

Our reporter Dan Dan has the story.

Spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, Yang Yi says the real aim of the so-called "referendum" is to change the status of Taiwan and split the island from China.

Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party expects the referendum to be held towards the end of this year or early next year.

He told a regular press conference that the "referendum" was an important step towards "de jure independence of Taiwan" promoted by Chen Shui-bian.

But he says the mainland side has the necessary preparations to firmly deter any hazardous separatist activity.

"The mainland will monitor the situation closely. We will not allow the Taiwan secessionists to achieve their goals in any form or by any means. We hope Taiwan compatriots and the international community see clearly Chen Shui-bian's evil intentions in promoting the 'referendum' and the serious harm caused by it."

Also at the press conference, Yang Yi urged Taiwan authorities to adopt a positive attitude on the issue of the Olympic torch relay.

"The route of the Olympic torch relay is made according to regulations of the International Olympic Committee and was confirmed by both sides across the Taiwan Straits. The mainland still hopes that relevant Taiwan authorities will consider continuing to implement the relay route in the interests of all Taiwan compatriots."

Yang Yi said a great number of Taiwan residents have shown strong excitement regarding the arrival of the Olympic torch.

And Yang Yi also touched upon the issue concerning direct flights between Taiwan and the mainland.

"Our attitude towards this issue is still: the earlier direct flights can be realized, the better it is."

Yang Yi added that for two decades, the mainland has spared no effort in pushing for direct flights for the interests of both the mainland and Taiwan people.

Dan Dan, CRI news.