Taiwan leader a 'schemer'

(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-07-25 22:26

Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian has been branded as a "schemer" after the United Nations rejected Taiwan's bid to join the world body.

The Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China's Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, or Cabinet, made the remark in a statement, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Xinhua said "Taiwan independence activities are doomed to fail."

The statement said "Chen Shui-bian is a destroyer of peace and stability" in the Pacific region, the China News Service reported.

Taiwan's application was returned by the UN Office of Legal Affairs, according to the UN's Chinese-language Web site.

In announcing its rejection, the UN cited a 1971 resolution that recognizes the People's Republic of China as the lawful representative to the world body.

Taiwan was expelled from the UN in 1971 when its seat was transferred to the Chinese central government.

The bid reflected the policies of Chen, who favors making the island's de facto independence permanent.