Beijing: China today (Mar 21, 2004) reluctantly acknowledged incumbent Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian's electoral victory, but denounced his "provocative attempt" to gain independence by imposing a referendum "against the will of the people".

In its initial reaction to the hotly disputed Taiwan Presidential poll verdict, the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese Government said Chen's attempt to split Taiwan from the mainland was doomed to fail.

"The so-called 'peace referendum' held by the Taiwan authorities goes against the will of the people and is doomed to failure," a joint statement issued by the Taiwan Work Office of the Central Committee of the CPC and the Taiwan affairs office of the State Council, China's Cabinet said.

Chen, whose Democratic Progressive Party which favours Taiwan's independence, was re-elected by a margin of less than 30,000 votes, but his opponent, Lien Chan from the Kuomintang Party demanded the results be annulled amid suspicions over spoiled ballots and an apparent assassination bid on Chen.

"Taiwan authorities wilfully held the "referendum" in a provocative attempt to undermine cross-straits relations and split the motherland. It turned out to be invalid. Facts have proven this illegal act goes against the will of the people," the statement carried by the official Xinhua news agency said.

It, however, took note of the outcome of the election and went on to point out that the "referendum", which Chen had wilfully promoted despite strong opposition from home and overseas, turned out to be invalid due to inadequate support.