Amid mixed prospects, China's legislators and political advisors
are voicing their belief that increasing exchanges and cooperation
will help maintain peace across the Taiwan Straits.
Cross-straits relations have maintained a peaceful and steady
momentum in recent years. In 2006, indirect trade volume between
the mainland and Taiwan hit a record US$107.8 billion, and Taiwan
residents made more than 4.4 million visits to the mainland.
Chen Yunying, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC),
said that more and more Taiwan compatriots are coming to the
mainland for better business chances, which brings hope and
opportunities for peace and development.
Meanwhile, the door for dialogues between political parties
cross the straits remains open. The inter-party exchanges and
dialogues between the Communist Party of China and the Taiwan-based
Kuomintang, People First Party and New Party had won applause
across the straits.
"Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are getting to
know each other better and sharing more common interests. And their
understanding of a stable cross-straits relationship also deepens,"
said Zhang Huajun, secretary-general of the Central Committee of
Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League.
"Many people in central and southern Taiwan, including my
relatives there, are surprised with the rapid development of the
mainland. They said they could see the goodwill of the mainland,"
said Lin Shengzhong, a political advisor who made a trip to Taiwan
not long ago.
"I think that sets a solid foundation for peace and development
across the straits," Lin said.
Despite the increase of "positive factors", lawmakers and
political advisors warned that the cross-straits relations still
face severe challenges and the year of 2007 is crucial for curbing
"Taiwan independence" and maintaining peace.
Fan Zengsheng, a Taiwan-born deputy to China's top legislature,
said that Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian has intensified his efforts
to seek "de jure independence" through the so-called
"constitutional reform" and "de-sinicizing" moves to keep provoking
the mainland.
"Chen Shui-bian's reckless secessionist activities have put the
interests of Taiwan people at risk, which we strongly oppose," Fan
said.
In March 2005, the NPC adopted the Anti-Secession Law, which
provides a powerful legal weapon for opposing and checking the
secessionist activities.
Lawmakers and advisors said the past two years has proved that
the Anti-Secession Law is a law of peaceful reunification, a law
aiming to protect the Taiwan compatriots and a law against "Taiwan
independence."
NPC deputy Chen Jiande said that the law showcases the common
will and firm determination of all Chinese people to protect state
sovereignty and territorial integrity and never allow "Taiwan
independence" forces to split Taiwan from China in any name or by
any means.
"I believe all Chinese people will thoroughly understand the
meaning of the law and its arch principles, and jointly safeguard
China's national sovereignty, territorial integrity and the
fundamental interests of the Chinese nation," Chen said.
Cross-straits relations have remained a hot topic at China's
annual parliamentary session. In his annual work report to the top
legislature, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said that the mainland will
unite with Taiwan compatriots in firm opposition to all forms of
secessionist activities.
"We will remain committed to the basic principle of peaceful
reunification and 'one country, two systems' and vigorously expand
exchanges and cooperation between the two sides," Wen said.
Xu Shiquan, a National Committee member of the Chinese People's
Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said the two sessions
this year have further rallied Chinese people's willpower to propel
the peaceful and stable development of cross-straits relations in
the mutual benefits of both sides.
"First of all, we firmly oppose Taiwan independence; Secondly,
we support government to continue favorable policies so as to help
promote cross-straits relations," said Xu, deputy director of the
National Research Institute of Taiwan.
(Xinhua News Agency March 15, 2007)