The creation of an anti-secession law is based on "doing the utmost for a scenario of peaceful reunification," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Liu Jianchao said on Tuesday.

 

It "aims to curb separatist activities, which is favorable for maintaining the peace, stability and prosperity of the Taiwan Straits and the Asia-Pacific region as well," Liu told a regular news briefing.

 

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) will deliberate on a draft of the law at their coming session between December 25 and 29 in Beijing.

 

Many lawmakers and senior government advisers have said over the past year that a law on national reunification should be promulgated as soon as possible.

 

"The legislature is expressing the common will of the Chinese people by making the law, that is peaceful reunification and 'one country, two systems'," said Liu.

 

Responding to reports that some US State Department officials have alleged that the proposed anti-secession code is a threat to regional peace, Liu said the comment indicates ignorance of China's stance on the question.

 

He urged the US to abide by its one-China commitment, and to support and understand the legislative actions of the NPC instead of sending wrong signals to forces for "Taiwan independence."

 

Liu reiterated opposition to any military ties between the US and Taiwan. Jane's Defense Weekly said that over the next year the US will assign military officers to its liaison agency in Taiwan for the first time in 25 years.

 

"The US developing military relations with Taiwan, for any reason and by any means, is against the principles of the three Sino-US joint communiqués," Liu said. "It will encourage separatist moves by 'Taiwan independence' forces, and harm peace across the Taiwan Straits as well as Sino-US ties."

 

Taiwan's authorities are currently trying to clinch an US$18 billion US weapons deal.

 

Recently, some US Congressmen held hearings on China's family planning policy, during which they criticized the policy and the human rights situation in China.

 

Liu said the US has chosen to ignore that the family planning policy produces huge benefits for China and that the protection of human rights has improved dramatically in the country.

 

He noted that the family planning policy caters to China's national conditions and the Chinese government is dedicated to protecting the rights and freedoms of its people. He urged the US not to interfere China's internal affairs.

 

Liu also expressed "strong dissatisfaction" over Tokyo's decision to issue a visa to former Taiwan leader Lee Teng-hui despite prior representations by the Chinese government, warning that the move could harm ties.

 

Japan granted Lee the visa yesterday as a private citizen for a "sightseeing trip." Liu, however, said the visit was by no means a private matter.

 

As a leading advocate of "Taiwan independence," Lee is visiting Japan with the clear aim of seeking support for independence and creating external conditions for speeding up separatist activities, said Liu.

 

He said the visit is "an unfavorable incident" for China-Japan ties. Liu said a sound Sino-Japanese relationship also hinges on Japan's proper handling of issues of vital interest to China.

 

Commenting on the EU's decision on Friday to begin accession talks with Turkey next year, Liu said China hopes the continuation of the process can promote relations with both the EU and Turkey.

 

The spokesperson said Chung Dong-young, permanent chairman of the National Security Council of the Republic of Korea (ROK), will exchange views on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and bilateral relations during his visit to China.

 

Chung started his three-day visit yesterday at the Foreign Ministry's invitation.

 

Liu announced State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan will pay official visits to Palestine and Israel from December 25 to 31.

 

During the visit, Tang will meet with Palestinian and Israeli leaders and exchange views on the further development of bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of common interest, including the Middle East situation, the spokesperson said.

 

(China Daily, Xinhua News Agency December 22, 2004)