Chinese President Hu Jintao on Tuesday slashed Taiwan authorities for their decision to cease the function of its "National Unification Council" and the application of its guidelines, saying it is a "dangerous step" toward "Taiwan Independence."

Hu made the remarks while meeting with visiting Swiss Defence Minister Samuel Schmid in Beijing Tuesday afternoon.

Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian announced Monday that the "National Unification Council" shall "cease to function" and the "National Unification Guidelines" shall "cease to apply." Chen signed relevant papers Tuesday morning.

"Despite the strong opposition from inside and outside the island, Taiwan authorities went their own way," Hu said.

It is a grave provocation to the one-China policy universally observed by the international community and to the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, he noted.

"It's also a dangerous step on the road toward 'Taiwan Independence'," Hu said.

"It's our unswerving will and determination to oppose 'Taiwan Independence' secessionist forces and their activities and to safeguard the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits," Hu said.

"We will continue to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification, but never tolerate the secession of Taiwan from the motherland," Hu said. "Anyone who moves against the historical trend is doomed to failure."

Schmid said that the Swiss government will, as always, adhere to the one-China policy. He appreciated China's efforts in safeguarding peace and stability and promoting exchanges across the Taiwan Straits.

On the relations with Switzerland, Hu said that China-Swiss relations witnessed an overall and sound development with fruitful cooperation in such fields as trade, culture, science and technology and defense.

The two countries also carried out sound communication and coordination in international organizations and on international affairs, Hu said.

Hu called for the two countries to further communicate, expand consensus and deepen cooperation in promoting the Sino-Swiss friendship to a new high.

Schmid said Switzerland regards China as an important partner.

"It conforms with the fundamental interests of the two sides to develop bilateral cooperation in trade and economy, foreign affairs and defense," said the minister.

Bilateral cooperation will also help improve the livelihood of people in the two countries and safeguard world peace and stability.

Switzerland will make new contributions to the friendly cooperation with China, he noted.

Chinese Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan, who is also a state councilor and vice chairman of the Central Military Committee, attended the meeting at the Great Hall of the People.