PARIS, France -- France`s president has warned Taiwan it will be committing a "grave error" if it holds a referendum in March.
President Jacques Chirac comments were a show of support for Chinese President Hu Jintao, who is in Paris as part of his first state trip to Western Europe.
Taiwan`s President Chen Shui-bian plans to ask voters whether the island that China claims as part of its territory should beef up its anti-missile defenses -- if Beijing refuses to withdraw the hundreds of missiles it has pointed at Taiwan.
Chirac, who has been a staunch advocate of the one-China policy, added his weight to China`s opposition to the plan at a state dinner to honor Hu.
"Breaking the status quo with a unilateral destabilizing initiative, whatever it is, including a referendum, would favor division over unity," Chirac said.
"It would be a grave error. It would carry a heavy responsibility."
U.S. President George W. Bush has already spoken out against Taiwan`s plans for the poll and Beijing hopes strong words from the French president would further undermine Chen`s re-election prospects