Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said Tuesday that the Taiwan authorities have taken a "dangerous step" toward "Taiwan independence" by ceasing the function of "National Unification Council" and the application of its guidelines.

"This is a serious provocation to the one-China principle universally observed by the international community and to the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits," Li told a press conference held on the sideline of the ongoing annual full session of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

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 sure "end up in shameful failure," said the minister.