BEIJING -- The "referendum" promoted by Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian about whether the island should join the United Nations under the name "Taiwan" will have a strong impact on cross-Strait relations, said a mainland official here on Wednesday.

Yang Yi, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, told a press conference that the "referendum" was an important step towards "de jure independence of Taiwan" promoted by Chen Shui-bian.

"The mainland side has the necessary preparations to firmly deter any hazardous separatist activity," said Yang.

The Taiwan authority, disregarding the criticism of Taiwan media and the opposition of the international community, is stepping up to promote the "referendum", which seriously endangers the peace of the Taiwan Strait, Yang said.

The Taiwan authority made the disturbance just before the Taiwan leader election, and claimed to combine the "referendum" with the election. Their aim is to cheat Taiwan people to get more votes and seek "Taiwan independence", said Yang.

If the situation continues, it will definitely have a strong impact on cross-Strait relations, and infringe upon the interests of Taiwan compatriots and endanger the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait and the Asian-Pacific region, Yang said.

"We hope Taiwan compatriots and the international community see clearly Chen Shui-bian's evil intentions in promoting the 'referendum' and the serious harm caused by it," said Yang.

"The mainland will monitor the situation closely. We will not allow the Taiwan secessionists to split Taiwan from China in any form or by any means," Yang added.