BEIJING, June 17 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said here Tuesday that Taiwan's decision to add the word "TAIWAN" to the cover of its new "passport" is an example of its continuing attempts to seek "gradual Taiwan independence" and another serious step to the detriment of cross-straits relations.


       Liu made the remarks at a press conference in response to a question on Taiwan's issuance of a new "passport" scheduled to begin on Sept. 1, which will bear the word "TAIWAN" on its cover.


      Liu said there is only one China in the world, which includes both the mainland and Taiwan, and China's sovereignty and territorial integrity allows for no separation. 


      He said Taiwan's recent decision to issue the new "passport" ispart of a continued attempt to seek "gradual Taiwan independence" and constitutes another serious step undermining relations across the Taiwan Straits, something which should put all Chinese people on high alert.


      Regardless of the tricks played by the Taiwan authority, it will not change the fact that Taiwan is part of China, said Liu, adding that Taiwan's attempt to seek separation and "Taiwan independence" will never succeed.


       Liu said China hopes the international community respects China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity and remains alert to Taiwan's attempts to split China. Enditem