Members of the 10th National Committee of the Chinese
People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top
advisory body, held special panel discussions Tuesday to consider
the proposed Anti-secession Law. Earlier in the day, the members
heard explanations of the draft by Vice Chairman Wang Zhaoguo of
the National People's Congress Standing Committee.
Most of the members showed unreserved support for the
legislation, saying it expressed the feelings of the Chinese
people. They said the law reflects the common will and resolution
of the government and all Chinese people, including overseas
Chinese and Taiwan compatriots, to defend national sovereignty and
territorial integrity.
Xie Zhengguan, who is a member of the
Taiwan Democratic Self-government League, said that passage of the
law is necessary and timely in light of the current cross-Straits
situation.
Feng Jianqin and Song Yuqing, members
of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang, praised
the draft for its rigorous logic and justifiable reasoning, saying
it shows the central government’s flexibility, vision and sincerity
in achieving reunification peacefully.
The members slammed “Taiwan independence” forces for their
provocative separatist attempts, which they feel prompted the need
for the law, and called on Taiwan authorities and politicians to
respect the will and interests of all Chinese people.
They suggested more exchanges
between the people of the mainland and Taiwan to enhance mutual
trust and reduce misunderstandings. They also suggested further
promotion of cross-Straits trade and more convenient access for
Taiwan businesses on the mainland.
Chen Guizhou, who is a native of Hualian, Taiwan Province,
and vice president of the All-China Federation of Taiwan
Compatriots, said, “The draft Anti-secession Law outlines limits
for “Taiwan independence” forces but it’s not a timetable for
reunification. It represents our commitment to peaceful
reunification and 'One Country, Two Systems.' As a native of
Taiwan, I fully support the ratification?of the
law.”
Several members of the Revolutionary Committee of the
Chinese Kuomintang pointed out that their party has countless ties
with the people of Taiwan and offered their collective and personal
efforts for peaceful reunification.
Members of the China Democratic League said that they are
concerned about the Taiwan authorities' efforts to alienate
Taiwan youth from the mainland through such means as distorting
Chinese history and removing words containing “China” from
textbooks.
(China.org.cn by staff reporter Chen Chao, March 11,
2005)