III. The Main Contents of the Draft Legislation

1. Legislative Purpose and Scope of Application of this Legislation

Given the current state and future trend of the cross-Straits relations, it is imperative to resolutely oppose and check the secessionist activities of the "Taiwan independence" forces. 

Otherwise, the source of threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits can not be uprooted, the historic opportunity for common development and common prosperity of the two sides of the Straits will be lost, the interests and welfare of the Taiwan compatriots will be ruined and the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation will suffer damage. 

Therefore, the legislation begins by making clear that this Law is formulated, in accordance with the Constitution, for the purpose of opposing and checking Taiwan's secession from China by secessionists in the name of "Taiwan independence", promoting peaceful national reunification, maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, preserving China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and safeguarding the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation. 

Such a provision defines both the legislative purpose and the scope of application of this legislation.

2. The Nature of the Taiwan Question

Making clear the nature of the Taiwan question is the basis for its settlement.

The 16th Party National Congress of the Communist Party of China stated, "There is but one China in the world, and both the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China. China's sovereignty and territorial integrity brook no division." This is our principled position on the Taiwan question, a position that enjoys the support of the entire Chinese people. 

The Taiwan question is one that is left over from China's civil war of the late 1940s. Owing to many complex factors, the two sides of the Taiwan Straits are yet to be reunified. But the fact that Taiwan is part of China and both the mainland and Taiwan belong to one and the same China remains unchanged. 

Resolving the Taiwan question and accomplishing the great cause of national reunification is entirely an internal affair of China bearing on the fundamental interests of all Chinese people, the Taiwan compatriots included. Accordingly, the draft legislation provides for the following:

1) The legislation reaffirms the spirit of the 16th Party National Congress and further makes it clear that safeguarding China's sovereignty and territorial integrity is the common obligation of all Chinese people, the Taiwan compatriots included, Taiwan is part of China and the state shall never allow the "Taiwan independence" forces to make Taiwan secede from China under any name or by any means.

2) The Taiwan question is one that is left over from China's civil war of the late 1940s.

Solving the Taiwan question and achieving China's complete reunification is China's internal affair. On this question, we will not submit to any interference by outside forces.

3) Accomplishing the great task of reunifying the motherland is the sacred duty of all Chinese people, the Taiwan compatriots included. 

(Xinhua News Agency March 8, 2005)