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)