Scholars renew secession warning

Mainland officials and scholars said yesterday that Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's stepped-up efforts to push for the island's formal "independence" would lead to cross-Straits tensions.

They said this year would be a crucial year for curbing secessionist activities because Beijing is preparing to host the 2008 Olympic Games.

"Cross-Straits ties face grave challenges because the Taiwan authorities are substantially pursuing de jure 'independence' through 'constitutional' change this year," said Xu Shiquan, vice-chairman of National Society of Taiwan Studies.