Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said here on Tuesday Sept. 2 that the central government of China strongly opposes Taiwan's adding the word "Taiwan" to the cover of its new passports.

It is reported that the Taiwan authorities had taken the move to avoid confusion.

Kong said the interpretation is unacceptable to the central governmnent of China.

He said adding "Taiwan" to the cover of its passport is an example of Taiwan's attempt to seek the "gradual independence of Taiwan" and another serious step to damage cross-strait relations.