SINGAPORE, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Singapore on Monday reiterated that it opposes Thaiwan authority's attempt to put Taiwan's UN membership bid to a referendum, saying the move is provocative and irresponsible.

    Singapore's Foreign Ministry said in a statement Monday night that its "One China" policy is clear and consistent, and it remains firmly opposed to any unilateral move to alter the status of Taiwan.

    It said the attempt to put Taiwan's UN membership bid to a referendum does not further Taiwan's interests in any way, "it can only raise cross-strait tensions, reduce Taiwan's international space, and leave Taiwan even more isolated."

    The ministry said, "This is because the move will have serious repercussions on the whole region, and risks jeopardizing the peace and stability of the Asia Pacific."

    Taiwanese leaders have stated that the referendum is not provocative, but is merely an expression of the democratic wishes of the Taiwanese people.

    However, Singapore's Foreign Ministry said, whether or not the referendum is provocative is not for Taiwan to assert, but for the international community to judge.

    The Foreign Ministry said that Singapore urges the Taiwan authority to reconsider its position in the interest of Taiwan's own future and of regional peace and security.