China's Anti-secession Law, of which the legislation procedures has been recently set in motion, will uphold the basic policy of "peaceful reunification and one country, two systems" and the eight-point proposal made by former Chinese President Jiang Zemin on the Taiwan question.
The remarks were made by Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), at a meeting held Friday to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Comrade Jiang Zemin's speech entitled "Continuing to endeavor for the accomplishment of the grand cause of reunification of the motherland" made on January 30, 1995.
The Anti-secession Law "will put in a codified form the policies of our Party and Government over the past 20 years and more for a peaceful solution to the Taiwan question, and embody China's consistent position of utmost efforts and maximum sincerity for a peaceful reunification," Jia said.
The Law will define the principles and guidelines on the settlement of the Taiwan question, such as measures to encourage and facilitate personnel, economic and cultural exchanges, including direct trade, mail, and air and shipping services, while protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the Taiwan compatriots, and such as steps to facilitate cross-Straits consultation and negotiations, including on the basis of the one China principle, any subject can be put on table, according to Jia.
In the meantime, the Anti-secession Law will demonstrate the common will of the entire Chinese people to maintain China's sovereignty and territorial integrity by resisting attempted secession of Taiwan from China under any name and by any means, Jia added.
The Law is designed to promote cross-Straits relations and the prospect of a peaceful reunification, to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, to oppose and check Taiwan's secession from China, to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, and to advance the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation on the whole, Jia noted.
Backgrounder: Jiang Zemin's speech on reunification of motherland
On Jan. 30 of 1995, Jiang Zemin, the then General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chinese President, delivered an important speech entitled "Continue to Promote the Reunification of the Motherland".
In the speech, Jiang stated eight-point proposal on some important questions that have a bearing on the development of the relations between the two sides across the Taiwan Straits and the promotion of the peaceful reunification of the motherland. The proposal includes:
Firstly, adherence to the principle of one China is the basis and premise for peaceful reunification. China's sovereignty and territory must never be allowed to suffer split. We must firmly oppose any words or actions aimed at creating an "independent Taiwan" and the propositions which are in contravention of the principle of one China.
Secondly, We do not challenge the development of non-governmental economic and cultural ties by Taiwan with other countries. However, we oppose Taiwan's activities in "expanding its living space internationally" which are aimed at creating "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan". Only after the peaceful reunification is accomplished can the Taiwan compatriots and other Chinese people of all ethnic groups truly and fully share the dignity and honor attained by our great motherland internationally.
Thirdly, to hold negotiations between the two sides on the peaceful reunification of the motherland. Representatives from the various political parties and mass organizations on both sides of the Taiwan Straits can be invited to participate in such talks. On the premise that there is only one China, we are prepared to talk about any matter, including all matters of concern to the Taiwan authorities. As the first step, negotiations should be held and an agreement reached on officially ending the state of hostility between the two sides. On this basis, the two sides should undertake jointly to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and map out plans for the future development of their relations.
Fourthly, We should strive for the peaceful reunification of the motherland since Chinese should not fight fellow Chinese. Our not undertaking to give up the use of force is not directed against our compatriots in Taiwan but against the schemes of foreign forces to interfere with China's reunification and to bring about the "independence of Taiwan".
Fifthly, Great efforts should be made to expand the economic exchanges and cooperation between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits so as to achieve prosperity on both sides to the benefit of the entire Chinese nation. We hold that political differences should not affect or interfere with the economic cooperation between the two sides. We are in favor of conducting the kind of negotiations on the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit and signing non-governmental agreements on the protection of the rights and interests of industrialists and businessmen from Taiwan. Whatever the circumstances may be, we shall safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of industrialists and businessmen from Taiwan.
Sixthly, The splendid culture of Chinese nation has become ties keeping the entire Chinese people close at heart and constitutes an important basis for the peaceful reunification of the motherland. People on both sides of the Taiwan Straits should inherit and carry forward the fine traditions of the Chinese culture.
Seventhly, We should fully respect the life style of the compatriots in Taiwan and their wish to be the masters of our country and protect all their legitimate rights and interests. The relevant departments of our party and the government including the agencies stationed abroad should strengthen close ties with compatriots from Taiwan, listen to their views and demands, be concerned with and take into account their interest and make every effort to help them solve their problems. All parties and personages of all circles in Taiwan are welcome to exchange views with us on relations between the two sides and on peaceful reunification and are also welcome to pay a visit and tour places.
Eighthly, Leaders of the Taiwan authorities are welcome to pay visits in appropriate capacities. We are also ready to accept invitations from the Taiwan side to visit Taiwan. We can discuss state affairs, or exchange ideas on certain questions first. The affairs of Chinese people should be handled by ourselves, something that does not take an international occasion to accomplish.
The speech, both inheritance and development of Deng Xiaoping's concept of "one country, two systems", has demonstrated the CPC and Chinese government's resolution and sincerity to unite compatriots from both sides of the Straits and to promote the peaceful reunification of the motherland.
It is regarded as a creed bearing both historical and practical directive meanings for developing the cross-Straits relations and propelling the reunification cause.
Jiang made the speech at a tea party jointly sponsored by seven departments in charge of affairs related to Taiwan and reunification of China.
(Xinhua News Agency January 29, 2005)
