The Chinese mainland is highly vigilant against the development of the situation in Taiwan following Taiwan leader's "dangerous step" to cease the function of the "National Unification Council" and the application of its guidelines, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said Tuesday.

"Such a move is a dangerous step toward "Taiwan independence" and a serious provocation to the one-China principle universally observed by the international community and to peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits," Li told a press conference held on the sidelines of the ongoing annual full session of the national legislature.

"We are ready to strive for peaceful reunification with our utmost sincerity and utmost efforts. But we will never tolerate 'Taiwan independence'. We will never allow anyone to split Taiwan from China by any means."

The secessionist activities of the leader of Taiwan authorities, which have met strong opposition from people on both sides of the Straits and condemnation and contempt from the international community, will for sure "end up in shameful failure," said the minister.

Globally, 167 of over 190 countries have established diplomatic relations with China. These countries, together with 138 intergovernmental international organizations including the United Nations, all recognize that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China, Li said.

This is an internationally observed principle embodied in major documents such as the Cairo Declaration, Potsdam Declaration and No. 2758 Resolution of the United Nations, he added.

"The fact that the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China has never been changed. And this is the status quo of cross-Straits relations."

Noting the Taiwan question is the "most important factor" affecting Sino-U.S. relations, Li stressed "we hope the U.S. side adheres to the one-China policy, observes the three Sino-U.S. communiques, has a clear understanding of the dangerous nature of 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces and activities, takes concrete measures to oppose such attempts."

He called on the U.S. side not to send erroneous signals to "Taiwan independence" elements, and make joint efforts with China to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and safeguard the overall interests in Sino-U.S. relations.

"We are ready to work with the U.S. side to strengthen mutual understanding, expand common ground, deepen mutual trust, promote cooperation, and properly settle our differences with a view to promoting the sound development of bilateral relations," Li said.

As for Chinese President Hu Jintao's upcoming visit to the United States, the first since Hu took the presidency in 2003, Li said, both side are busy making preparations to ensure a successful visit.