'Referendum' attempt given stern warning

Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday warned strongly against Taipei's attempt to unilaterally decide its future through the so-called "referendum" on the island's United Nations membership.

"Any issue that concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be decided by all Chinese people, including our Taiwan compatriots," he said.

Wen's warning comes amid the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration's attempt to hold the "referendum" on joining the UN alongside the island's "presidential" elections on March 22.