Film about Singapore politician withdrawn after director warned
scmp - Tuesday, March 22, 2005
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Updated at 1.24pm:
A documentary filmmaker withdrew his film about Singapore’s leading opposition figure from the city-state’s annual film festival after the government warned the director that he could be jailed over its political content, a newspaper reported Tuesday.
Martyn See’s short film focuses on Chee Soon Juan, a frequent government critic who was ordered to pay $S500,000 (HK$2.3 million) to modern Singapore’s founder, Lee Kuan Yew, and former leader Goh Chok Tong for defaming them during the 2001 elections.
However, See decided to pull his film from the Singapore International Film Festival after the Board of Film Censors said he could be jailed for up to two years or fined S$100,000 ) if his 26-minute film was screened, the Straits Times reported.
The board had also advised festival organisers to remove See’s documentary because it was a “party political film”. Under Singaporean law, local films that “contain wholly or partly either partisan or biased references to or comments on any political matter” are banned, the paper added.
See and festival organisers could not be immediately reached for comment.
Strictly controlled Singapore has been seeking to promote itself as an Asian arts center, with the film festival as one of the city-state’s cultural highlights.
Still, Singapore regularly bans films, saying it needs to maintain ethnic and religious harmony in the Southeast Asian country of four million. Last year, censors blocked three films from the festival for scenes it deemed were too sexually explicit or were advocating violence.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Updated at 1.24pm:
A documentary filmmaker withdrew his film about Singapore’s leading opposition figure from the city-state’s annual film festival after the government warned the director that he could be jailed over its political content, a newspaper reported Tuesday.
Martyn See’s short film focuses on Chee Soon Juan, a frequent government critic who was ordered to pay $S500,000 (HK$2.3 million) to modern Singapore’s founder, Lee Kuan Yew, and former leader Goh Chok Tong for defaming them during the 2001 elections.
However, See decided to pull his film from the Singapore International Film Festival after the Board of Film Censors said he could be jailed for up to two years or fined S$100,000 ) if his 26-minute film was screened, the Straits Times reported.
The board had also advised festival organisers to remove See’s documentary because it was a “party political film”. Under Singaporean law, local films that “contain wholly or partly either partisan or biased references to or comments on any political matter” are banned, the paper added.
See and festival organisers could not be immediately reached for comment.
Strictly controlled Singapore has been seeking to promote itself as an Asian arts center, with the film festival as one of the city-state’s cultural highlights.
Still, Singapore regularly bans films, saying it needs to maintain ethnic and religious harmony in the Southeast Asian country of four million. Last year, censors blocked three films from the festival for scenes it deemed were too sexually explicit or were advocating violence.
Beijing not won over by pledge from Dalai Lama
SCMP - Wednesday, March 16, 2005
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE in Beijing
Beijing yesterday brushed off a pledge by the Dalai Lama not to seek independence for Tibet, saying if the spiritual leader wants to improve relations he must take active measures to end all separatist activities.
"Generally, the attitude of the Chinese government concerning the Dalai Lama is that you should not only look at what he says but also what he does," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao.
"We noted the remarks of the Dalai Lama. The policy of China with respect to the Dalai Lama is unchanged and clear.
"If the Dalai Lama wants to really improve his relations with China, he must recognise China, objectively and completely. He must really give up any claim of independence of Tibet, to put an end to any separatist activities."
Mr Liu repeated Beijing's insistence that Tibet's spiritual leader must also "declare publicly that Tibet is an inalienable part of China".
In an interview with the South China Morning Post published on Monday, the Dalai Lama said: "I am not in favour of separation. Tibet is a part of the People's Republic of China. It is an autonomous region of the People's Republic of China."
Mr Liu said he must also recognise Taiwan as part of China.
In the Post interview, the Dalai Lama called on Beijing to allow him back into the country.
"It is in China's interest," he said. "As long as I am there I can make Tibetans calm. If I am not there, I do not know what will come. The Chinese government should use common sense rationally, not look at things with narrow perspective."
The Dalai Lama fled into exile in India in 1959, and direct ties between him and Beijing collapsed in 1993. They were not renewed until 2002.
Since then Beijing and Tibetan representatives have met three times to discuss a possible return of Tibetan exiles.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE in Beijing
Beijing yesterday brushed off a pledge by the Dalai Lama not to seek independence for Tibet, saying if the spiritual leader wants to improve relations he must take active measures to end all separatist activities.
"Generally, the attitude of the Chinese government concerning the Dalai Lama is that you should not only look at what he says but also what he does," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao.
"We noted the remarks of the Dalai Lama. The policy of China with respect to the Dalai Lama is unchanged and clear.
"If the Dalai Lama wants to really improve his relations with China, he must recognise China, objectively and completely. He must really give up any claim of independence of Tibet, to put an end to any separatist activities."
Mr Liu repeated Beijing's insistence that Tibet's spiritual leader must also "declare publicly that Tibet is an inalienable part of China".
In an interview with the South China Morning Post published on Monday, the Dalai Lama said: "I am not in favour of separation. Tibet is a part of the People's Republic of China. It is an autonomous region of the People's Republic of China."
Mr Liu said he must also recognise Taiwan as part of China.
In the Post interview, the Dalai Lama called on Beijing to allow him back into the country.
"It is in China's interest," he said. "As long as I am there I can make Tibetans calm. If I am not there, I do not know what will come. The Chinese government should use common sense rationally, not look at things with narrow perspective."
The Dalai Lama fled into exile in India in 1959, and direct ties between him and Beijing collapsed in 1993. They were not renewed until 2002.
Since then Beijing and Tibetan representatives have met three times to discuss a possible return of Tibetan exiles.
'There is only one China in the world'
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
This is the full text of the Anti- Secession Law adopted by the NPC yesterday:
Article 1 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.
Article 2 There is only one China in the world. Both the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China. China's sovereignty and territorial integrity brook no division. Safeguarding China's sovereignty and territorial integrity is the common obligation of all Chinese people, the Taiwan compatriots included.
Taiwan is part of China. The state shall never allow the "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces to make Taiwan secede from China under any name or by any means.
[Note: Article rephrased in accordance with the 16th Party Congress' statement]
Article 3 The Taiwan question is one that is left over from China's civil war of the late 1940s.
Solving the Taiwan question and achieving national reunification is China's internal affair, which subjects to no interference by any outside forces.
[Note: changes made to the Chinese text, which originally said `outside forces should not interfere into the solving of the Taiwan question. The English version reads the same]
Article 4 Accomplishing the great task of reunifying the motherland is the sacred duty of all Chinese people, the Taiwan compatriots included.
Article 5 Upholding the principle of one China is the basis of peaceful reunification of the country.
To reunify the country through peaceful means best serves the fundamental interests of the compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits. The state shall do its utmost with maximum sincerity to achieve a peaceful reunification.
After the country is reunified peacefully, Taiwan may practise systems different from those on the mainland and enjoy a high degree of autonomy.
Article 6 The state shall take the following measures to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and promote cross-Straits relations:
(1) to encourage and facilitate personnel exchanges across the Straits for greater mutual understanding and mutual trust;
[Note: changes made to the Chinese text, which originally says the state will continue to encourage and facilitate exchanges of personnel. The revised text connotes the promotion of exchanges between individuals as well as organisations. The English text remains the same]
(2) to encourage and facilitate economic exchanges and co-operation, realise direct links of trade, mail and air and shipping services, and bring about closer economic ties between the two sides of the Straits to their mutual benefit;
(3) to encourage and facilitate cross-Straits exchanges in education, science, technology, culture, health and sports, and work together to carry forward the proud Chinese cultural traditions;
(4) to encourage and facilitate cross-Straits co-operation in combating crimes; and
(5) to encourage and facilitate other activities that are conducive to peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and stronger cross-Straits relations.
The state protects the rights and interests of the Taiwan compatriots in accordance with law.
Article 7 The state stands for the achievement of peaceful reunification through consultations and negotiations on an equal footing between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits. These consultations and negotiations may be conducted in steps and phases and with flexible and varied modalities.
The two sides of the Taiwan Straits may consult and negotiate on the following matters:
(1) officially ending the state of hostility between the two sides;
(2) mapping out the development of cross-Straits relations;
(3) steps and arrangements for peaceful national reunification;
(4) the political status of the Taiwan authorities;
(5) the Taiwan region's room of international operation that is compatible with its status; and
(6) other matters concerning the achievement of peaceful national reunification.
Article 8 In the event that the "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces should act under any name or by any means to cause the fact of Taiwan's secession from China, or that major incidents entailing Taiwan's secession from China should occur, or that possibilities for a peaceful reunification should be completely exhausted, the state shall employ non-peaceful means and other necessary measures to protect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
[Note: changes to the Chinese text to adopt the term "possibilities" instead of "conditions" which, according to the NPC law committee, reflects the thinking that the state would pursue a peaceful solution as long as there is a glimmer of hope. The English text, as phrased by Xinhua in a speech by Wu Bangguo , NPC chairman, remains the same]
The State Council and the Central Military Commission shall decide on and execute the non-peaceful means and other necessary measures as provided for in the preceding paragraph and shall promptly report to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.
[The second part of this article, previously numbered Article 9, has been merged into Article 8 for clarity's sake]
Article 9 In the event of employing and executing non-peaceful means and other necessary measures as provided for in this Law, the state shall exert its utmost to protect the lives, property and other legitimate rights and interests of Taiwan civilians and foreign nationals in Taiwan, and to minimise losses. At the same time, the state shall protect the rights and interests of the Taiwan compatriots in other parts of China in accordance with law.
Article 10 This Law shall come into force on the day of its promulgation.
Official translation by Xinhua. The italicised notes are based on NPC Law Committee deliberations reported by Xinhua on Sunday.
This is the full text of the Anti- Secession Law adopted by the NPC yesterday:
Article 1 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.
Article 2 There is only one China in the world. Both the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China. China's sovereignty and territorial integrity brook no division. Safeguarding China's sovereignty and territorial integrity is the common obligation of all Chinese people, the Taiwan compatriots included.
Taiwan is part of China. The state shall never allow the "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces to make Taiwan secede from China under any name or by any means.
[Note: Article rephrased in accordance with the 16th Party Congress' statement]
Article 3 The Taiwan question is one that is left over from China's civil war of the late 1940s.
Solving the Taiwan question and achieving national reunification is China's internal affair, which subjects to no interference by any outside forces.
[Note: changes made to the Chinese text, which originally said `outside forces should not interfere into the solving of the Taiwan question. The English version reads the same]
Article 4 Accomplishing the great task of reunifying the motherland is the sacred duty of all Chinese people, the Taiwan compatriots included.
Article 5 Upholding the principle of one China is the basis of peaceful reunification of the country.
To reunify the country through peaceful means best serves the fundamental interests of the compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits. The state shall do its utmost with maximum sincerity to achieve a peaceful reunification.
After the country is reunified peacefully, Taiwan may practise systems different from those on the mainland and enjoy a high degree of autonomy.
Article 6 The state shall take the following measures to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and promote cross-Straits relations:
(1) to encourage and facilitate personnel exchanges across the Straits for greater mutual understanding and mutual trust;
[Note: changes made to the Chinese text, which originally says the state will continue to encourage and facilitate exchanges of personnel. The revised text connotes the promotion of exchanges between individuals as well as organisations. The English text remains the same]
(2) to encourage and facilitate economic exchanges and co-operation, realise direct links of trade, mail and air and shipping services, and bring about closer economic ties between the two sides of the Straits to their mutual benefit;
(3) to encourage and facilitate cross-Straits exchanges in education, science, technology, culture, health and sports, and work together to carry forward the proud Chinese cultural traditions;
(4) to encourage and facilitate cross-Straits co-operation in combating crimes; and
(5) to encourage and facilitate other activities that are conducive to peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and stronger cross-Straits relations.
The state protects the rights and interests of the Taiwan compatriots in accordance with law.
Article 7 The state stands for the achievement of peaceful reunification through consultations and negotiations on an equal footing between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits. These consultations and negotiations may be conducted in steps and phases and with flexible and varied modalities.
The two sides of the Taiwan Straits may consult and negotiate on the following matters:
(1) officially ending the state of hostility between the two sides;
(2) mapping out the development of cross-Straits relations;
(3) steps and arrangements for peaceful national reunification;
(4) the political status of the Taiwan authorities;
(5) the Taiwan region's room of international operation that is compatible with its status; and
(6) other matters concerning the achievement of peaceful national reunification.
Article 8 In the event that the "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces should act under any name or by any means to cause the fact of Taiwan's secession from China, or that major incidents entailing Taiwan's secession from China should occur, or that possibilities for a peaceful reunification should be completely exhausted, the state shall employ non-peaceful means and other necessary measures to protect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
[Note: changes to the Chinese text to adopt the term "possibilities" instead of "conditions" which, according to the NPC law committee, reflects the thinking that the state would pursue a peaceful solution as long as there is a glimmer of hope. The English text, as phrased by Xinhua in a speech by Wu Bangguo , NPC chairman, remains the same]
The State Council and the Central Military Commission shall decide on and execute the non-peaceful means and other necessary measures as provided for in the preceding paragraph and shall promptly report to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.
[The second part of this article, previously numbered Article 9, has been merged into Article 8 for clarity's sake]
Article 9 In the event of employing and executing non-peaceful means and other necessary measures as provided for in this Law, the state shall exert its utmost to protect the lives, property and other legitimate rights and interests of Taiwan civilians and foreign nationals in Taiwan, and to minimise losses. At the same time, the state shall protect the rights and interests of the Taiwan compatriots in other parts of China in accordance with law.
Article 10 This Law shall come into force on the day of its promulgation.
Official translation by Xinhua. The italicised notes are based on NPC Law Committee deliberations reported by Xinhua on Sunday.
Wen stresses 'peaceful intent' of legislation
SCMP - Tuesday, March 15, 2005
NAILENE CHOU WIEST and RAY CHEUNG in Beijing
Premier Wen Jiabao sought to soften the blow of the Anti-Secession Law yesterday by emphasising the peaceful intent of the legislation and Beijing's plan to promote stronger economic ties with Taiwan.
At his press conference at the end of the NPC session, Mr Wen said the mainland would not want to see foreign interference on the Taiwan issue.
"We don't want foreign countries to interfere. But we are not afraid [of any interference]," he said to long applause from mainland reporters.
However, Mr Wen also highlighted three areas in which Beijing would offer to mend ties with Taiwan.
After the successful non-stop charter flights over the Lunar New Year, Mr Wen said he hoped the arrangement could be expanded to regular passenger flights.
He also reiterated the mainland's offer to assist farmers in southern Taiwan sell agricultural products on the mainland.
In addition, he hoped mainland fishermen would be allowed to work in Taiwan under short-term labour contracts.
Mr Wen said more preferential policies and measures would be announced soon.
He reiterated that the legislation, which came into effect yesterday, was a law of "peace and unification" instead of one that targeted Taiwanese people.
"This is a law to suppress and oppose `Taiwan separatist' forces. It is only by suppressing and objecting `Taiwan independence' [that we] can [achieve] peace in the Taiwan Strait," he said.
Minor changes were made in the full text of the Anti-Secession Law published yesterday.
One of the changes was in the crucial Article 8, which spells out the three scenarios for using force against Taiwan.
The third scenario was modified to read if "possibilities" - instead of "conditions" - for a peaceful reunification should be completely exhausted, Beijing would use force to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. This article was merged with Article 9 on steps for employing non-peaceful means.
Lieutenant-General Liu Fengjun, a deputy commander of the Beijing military region, said the PLA was stepping up preparations in case there was a need to use "non-peaceful means".
Although the mainland enjoyed overall superiority over Taiwan in terms of combat power, Taiwan nonetheless had strength in certain areas, said Lieutenant-General Xu Genchu , vice-president of the Academy of Military Sciences.
The escalating military co-operation between the US and Taiwan, which could tip the scale, called for close monitoring, he said.
Yesterday's 99.9 per cent approval of the legislation - 2,896 "yes" votes, zero "no" votes and two abstentions - was groundbreaking, even by NPC standards, where decisions on legislative measures, even popular ones, usually garner at least a handful of opposition ballots.
Delegates were unexpectedly proud of their part in the historic moment.
Chongqing Mayor Wang Hongju said he was excited to vote for the bill.
"I was pressing the button like crazy and clapping my hands like my life depended on it," Mr Wang said.
Additional reporting by Josephine Ma
NAILENE CHOU WIEST and RAY CHEUNG in Beijing
Premier Wen Jiabao sought to soften the blow of the Anti-Secession Law yesterday by emphasising the peaceful intent of the legislation and Beijing's plan to promote stronger economic ties with Taiwan.
At his press conference at the end of the NPC session, Mr Wen said the mainland would not want to see foreign interference on the Taiwan issue.
"We don't want foreign countries to interfere. But we are not afraid [of any interference]," he said to long applause from mainland reporters.
However, Mr Wen also highlighted three areas in which Beijing would offer to mend ties with Taiwan.
After the successful non-stop charter flights over the Lunar New Year, Mr Wen said he hoped the arrangement could be expanded to regular passenger flights.
He also reiterated the mainland's offer to assist farmers in southern Taiwan sell agricultural products on the mainland.
In addition, he hoped mainland fishermen would be allowed to work in Taiwan under short-term labour contracts.
Mr Wen said more preferential policies and measures would be announced soon.
He reiterated that the legislation, which came into effect yesterday, was a law of "peace and unification" instead of one that targeted Taiwanese people.
"This is a law to suppress and oppose `Taiwan separatist' forces. It is only by suppressing and objecting `Taiwan independence' [that we] can [achieve] peace in the Taiwan Strait," he said.
Minor changes were made in the full text of the Anti-Secession Law published yesterday.
One of the changes was in the crucial Article 8, which spells out the three scenarios for using force against Taiwan.
The third scenario was modified to read if "possibilities" - instead of "conditions" - for a peaceful reunification should be completely exhausted, Beijing would use force to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. This article was merged with Article 9 on steps for employing non-peaceful means.
Lieutenant-General Liu Fengjun, a deputy commander of the Beijing military region, said the PLA was stepping up preparations in case there was a need to use "non-peaceful means".
Although the mainland enjoyed overall superiority over Taiwan in terms of combat power, Taiwan nonetheless had strength in certain areas, said Lieutenant-General Xu Genchu , vice-president of the Academy of Military Sciences.
The escalating military co-operation between the US and Taiwan, which could tip the scale, called for close monitoring, he said.
Yesterday's 99.9 per cent approval of the legislation - 2,896 "yes" votes, zero "no" votes and two abstentions - was groundbreaking, even by NPC standards, where decisions on legislative measures, even popular ones, usually garner at least a handful of opposition ballots.
Delegates were unexpectedly proud of their part in the historic moment.
Chongqing Mayor Wang Hongju said he was excited to vote for the bill.
"I was pressing the button like crazy and clapping my hands like my life depended on it," Mr Wang said.
Additional reporting by Josephine Ma
Unity law passes with united vote
scmp - Tuesday, March 15, 2005
The National People's Congress yesterday passed the anti-secession law virtually unanimously in a show of unity against Taiwan's pursuit of formal independence.
There were 2,896 votes in favour and none against. Only two delegates abstained.
The text of the 10-article law, published yesterday, says the mainland can use "non-peaceful means and other necessary measures to protect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity" if all else fails.
This will be necessary "in the event that the `Taiwan independence' secessionist forces should act under any name or by any means to cause the fact of Taiwan's secession from China", the law says.
Premier Wen Jiabao stressed the legislation was not a "war law" but one to strengthen relations with Taiwan. "It is not targeted at the people of Taiwan, nor is it a war bill," he said.
Nevertheless, Taiwan called the law a serious provocation. Joseph Wu Jau-shieh, head of the Mainland Affairs Council, criticised Mr Wen for sweet-talking on the law to cover up Beijing's hostile intentions. Nailene Chou Wiest with Jacky Hsu
The National People's Congress yesterday passed the anti-secession law virtually unanimously in a show of unity against Taiwan's pursuit of formal independence.
There were 2,896 votes in favour and none against. Only two delegates abstained.
The text of the 10-article law, published yesterday, says the mainland can use "non-peaceful means and other necessary measures to protect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity" if all else fails.
This will be necessary "in the event that the `Taiwan independence' secessionist forces should act under any name or by any means to cause the fact of Taiwan's secession from China", the law says.
Premier Wen Jiabao stressed the legislation was not a "war law" but one to strengthen relations with Taiwan. "It is not targeted at the people of Taiwan, nor is it a war bill," he said.
Nevertheless, Taiwan called the law a serious provocation. Joseph Wu Jau-shieh, head of the Mainland Affairs Council, criticised Mr Wen for sweet-talking on the law to cover up Beijing's hostile intentions. Nailene Chou Wiest with Jacky Hsu
Rallying popular support
scmp - Tuesday, March 15, 2005
With the anti-secession law passed in Beijing, many people are asking why restate, in a law, something which everybody has known for a long time, especially when concrete progress is being made on cross-strait relations.
The answer lies in symbolic grandstanding. Hu Jintao , having succeeded Jiang Zemin as party general secretary, has to show something to his constituency of 1.3 billion people. During the 16th party congress in October 2002, Mr Hu had nothing new to say. Instead, a national hero was created in Yang Liwei - the first Chinese astronaut - who rallied popular support behind a central government that had run out of ideology and could not control rampant corruption.
Now three years after becoming president, Mr Hu needs to show progress on Taiwan, after relations deteriorated under Mr Jiang. The anti-secession law was in the works last autumn, when ties seemingly reached an abyss. The announcement of the legislation last December sent shockwaves through both Taipei and diplomatic circles.
But tensions dissipated with Beijing's offer of direct commercial flights between mainland and Taiwanese cities during the Lunar New Year. Since then, there have been discussions about extending the charter flights to cover other holiday periods, and even regular weekend commuter shuttles for Taiwanese businesspeople, and cargo.
A week before the National People's Congress opened, even Taipei was warming up as never before. President Chen Shui-bian and People First Party chairman James Soong Chu-yu issued a joint statement in which Mr Chen "guaranteed" not to undertake any action which could lead to independence through a declaration, constitutional revision or a referendum, thereby implicitly recognising the "one-China" policy.
Mr Chen even took another step forward on the "one-China" issue, which Beijing insists is best expressed in the "1992 consensus". The mainland government has called for Mr Chen to recognise the consensus as a basis for restarting cross-strait dialogue. He agreed to this, but refers to the document as the "1992 discussions".
Many people in Taiwan consider the document to be a list of points on which both sides agreed to disagree, at meetings in Hong Kong in 1992. Regardless, Beijing interprets the word "consensus" as implicitly embodying the "one-China" principle. In Taiwanese politics, the consensus carries political baggage because it is seen as a document negotiated by the Kuomintang, not the current Democratic Progressive Party leadership.
Now, the problem of restarting constructive dialogue remains largely snagged on this single point of symbolic expression. Mr Chen tried to move things forward a week ago in a meeting with European Union members by referring to the "fruitful results of the 1992 discussions". The only thing he could possibly be referring to was the understanding reached concerning "one-China", because nothing else was really agreed in the document.
On this point, it is worth looking at the memoirs of the late Koo Chen-fu, who negotiated for Taiwan in 1992. When he died in January, his funeral presented an opportunity to break the ice. The State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office sent two deputy-ranking bureau directors to attend the funeral. It was only a symbolic gesture, as nothing specific was discussed. But a symbolic gesture might be what Beijing is waiting for.
Maybe reading Koo's memoirs could offer some guidance. He does refer to the Hong Kong negotiations as the 1992 consensus, observing that on the issue of a "one-China" principle, both sides did, at least, reach an "understanding". Perhaps Mr Chen can find some inspiration here. That might be the kind of symbolic language which Mr Hu is looking for. At least it may be a start.
Laurence Brahm is a political economist and lawyer based in Beijing.
With the anti-secession law passed in Beijing, many people are asking why restate, in a law, something which everybody has known for a long time, especially when concrete progress is being made on cross-strait relations.
The answer lies in symbolic grandstanding. Hu Jintao , having succeeded Jiang Zemin as party general secretary, has to show something to his constituency of 1.3 billion people. During the 16th party congress in October 2002, Mr Hu had nothing new to say. Instead, a national hero was created in Yang Liwei - the first Chinese astronaut - who rallied popular support behind a central government that had run out of ideology and could not control rampant corruption.
Now three years after becoming president, Mr Hu needs to show progress on Taiwan, after relations deteriorated under Mr Jiang. The anti-secession law was in the works last autumn, when ties seemingly reached an abyss. The announcement of the legislation last December sent shockwaves through both Taipei and diplomatic circles.
But tensions dissipated with Beijing's offer of direct commercial flights between mainland and Taiwanese cities during the Lunar New Year. Since then, there have been discussions about extending the charter flights to cover other holiday periods, and even regular weekend commuter shuttles for Taiwanese businesspeople, and cargo.
A week before the National People's Congress opened, even Taipei was warming up as never before. President Chen Shui-bian and People First Party chairman James Soong Chu-yu issued a joint statement in which Mr Chen "guaranteed" not to undertake any action which could lead to independence through a declaration, constitutional revision or a referendum, thereby implicitly recognising the "one-China" policy.
Mr Chen even took another step forward on the "one-China" issue, which Beijing insists is best expressed in the "1992 consensus". The mainland government has called for Mr Chen to recognise the consensus as a basis for restarting cross-strait dialogue. He agreed to this, but refers to the document as the "1992 discussions".
Many people in Taiwan consider the document to be a list of points on which both sides agreed to disagree, at meetings in Hong Kong in 1992. Regardless, Beijing interprets the word "consensus" as implicitly embodying the "one-China" principle. In Taiwanese politics, the consensus carries political baggage because it is seen as a document negotiated by the Kuomintang, not the current Democratic Progressive Party leadership.
Now, the problem of restarting constructive dialogue remains largely snagged on this single point of symbolic expression. Mr Chen tried to move things forward a week ago in a meeting with European Union members by referring to the "fruitful results of the 1992 discussions". The only thing he could possibly be referring to was the understanding reached concerning "one-China", because nothing else was really agreed in the document.
On this point, it is worth looking at the memoirs of the late Koo Chen-fu, who negotiated for Taiwan in 1992. When he died in January, his funeral presented an opportunity to break the ice. The State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office sent two deputy-ranking bureau directors to attend the funeral. It was only a symbolic gesture, as nothing specific was discussed. But a symbolic gesture might be what Beijing is waiting for.
Maybe reading Koo's memoirs could offer some guidance. He does refer to the Hong Kong negotiations as the 1992 consensus, observing that on the issue of a "one-China" principle, both sides did, at least, reach an "understanding". Perhaps Mr Chen can find some inspiration here. That might be the kind of symbolic language which Mr Hu is looking for. At least it may be a start.
Laurence Brahm is a political economist and lawyer based in Beijing.
Dalai Lama yields ground on Tibet self-rule
scmp - Monday, March 14, 2005
STAFF REPORTER
The Dalai Lama has extended an olive branch to Beijing in a bid to resolve the decades-old political conflict over Tibetan independence.
The exiled spiritual leader appears to have given up any demand for Tibetan self-governance and is willing to accept Chinese rule so long as Tibet's culture, spirituality and environment are preserved.
In an interview published exclusively in the South China Morning Post today, the Dalai Lama indicates he is relinquishing his half-a-century struggle for Tibet's sovereignty in order to realise what he calls "broader interest" to allow his people to savour the success of China's rapid economic growth and accomplishments.
"We want modernisation. So for our own interest, we are willing to be part of the People's Republic of China, to have the PRC govern and guarantee to preserve our Tibetan culture, spirituality and our environment," he said.
The Dalai Lama said that by dropping the sovereignty claim for Tibet, his people would be able to benefit from China's economic achievements. This was in stark contrast to his previous stand, that Tibet should be a self-governing domestic and political entity under a type of "one country, two systems" arrangement.
"This is the message I wish to deliver to China," he said. "I am not in favour of separation. Tibet is a part of the People's Republic of China. It is an autonomous region of the People's Republic of China. Tibetan culture and Buddhism are part of Chinese culture."
The Dalai Lama's clear reference to the Chinese government, and Tibet being one of its autonomous regions, was tantamount to recognition of the Chinese Communist Party's rule and acceptance of Tibet's current status. His comments indicate he now seeks autonomy only on religious and cultural matters and not political, economic or diplomatic affairs.
The 69-year-old spiritual leader expressed hope that Tibet could help develop China's "internal values" in the spiritual field through Buddhism, while the central government could expand "external values" through materialistic development such as economic and political governance. He denied his apparent climbdown came out of desperation, and stressed that "it comes out of broader interest".
He pointed to Europe as an example of such broader interest. "In the European Union, each [country] carries self-interest but what is more important is common interest. It is more important than individual sovereignty. Currency is the most potent symbol of individual sovereignty, but they are willing to give it up to dissolve into the common interest."
However, the Dalai Lama's change of heart has raised concerns of a growing rift between the moderates and the radicals within the government-in-exile, based in Dharamsala in northern India.
The Chinese government has insisted that the Dalai Lama, who fled in 1959 after a failed uprising against Beijing, must accept that Tibet is an integral part of China and abandon his sovereignty fight. In recent years, the Dalai Lama has been increasingly accommodating in his political maneuverings, pursuing a "middle way" that would ensure autonomy rather than independence and leave China in control of Tibet's foreign policy.
Meanwhile, in an unprecedented interview with Post columnist Laurence Brahm, the Beijing-recognised 11th Panchen Lama sent a message of harmony, calling on Tibetans overseas to contribute to their homeland's economic development.
The teenage religious leader, who is rarely seen in public, said: "I wish Tibetan people here and living abroad to love their country and home town, and put their efforts into economic development to raise living standards and development in their homeland."
Both lamas were disillusioned with developments in the west, pointing out the limitations materialism has in satisfying humanity, and the need for more spirituality.
The calls by both religious leaders could serve to create a rare window of opportunity for true dialogue to take place and speed up negotiations to pave the way for the homecoming of exiled Tibetans in the near future, analysts believe.
STAFF REPORTER
The Dalai Lama has extended an olive branch to Beijing in a bid to resolve the decades-old political conflict over Tibetan independence.
The exiled spiritual leader appears to have given up any demand for Tibetan self-governance and is willing to accept Chinese rule so long as Tibet's culture, spirituality and environment are preserved.
In an interview published exclusively in the South China Morning Post today, the Dalai Lama indicates he is relinquishing his half-a-century struggle for Tibet's sovereignty in order to realise what he calls "broader interest" to allow his people to savour the success of China's rapid economic growth and accomplishments.
"We want modernisation. So for our own interest, we are willing to be part of the People's Republic of China, to have the PRC govern and guarantee to preserve our Tibetan culture, spirituality and our environment," he said.
The Dalai Lama said that by dropping the sovereignty claim for Tibet, his people would be able to benefit from China's economic achievements. This was in stark contrast to his previous stand, that Tibet should be a self-governing domestic and political entity under a type of "one country, two systems" arrangement.
"This is the message I wish to deliver to China," he said. "I am not in favour of separation. Tibet is a part of the People's Republic of China. It is an autonomous region of the People's Republic of China. Tibetan culture and Buddhism are part of Chinese culture."
The Dalai Lama's clear reference to the Chinese government, and Tibet being one of its autonomous regions, was tantamount to recognition of the Chinese Communist Party's rule and acceptance of Tibet's current status. His comments indicate he now seeks autonomy only on religious and cultural matters and not political, economic or diplomatic affairs.
The 69-year-old spiritual leader expressed hope that Tibet could help develop China's "internal values" in the spiritual field through Buddhism, while the central government could expand "external values" through materialistic development such as economic and political governance. He denied his apparent climbdown came out of desperation, and stressed that "it comes out of broader interest".
He pointed to Europe as an example of such broader interest. "In the European Union, each [country] carries self-interest but what is more important is common interest. It is more important than individual sovereignty. Currency is the most potent symbol of individual sovereignty, but they are willing to give it up to dissolve into the common interest."
However, the Dalai Lama's change of heart has raised concerns of a growing rift between the moderates and the radicals within the government-in-exile, based in Dharamsala in northern India.
The Chinese government has insisted that the Dalai Lama, who fled in 1959 after a failed uprising against Beijing, must accept that Tibet is an integral part of China and abandon his sovereignty fight. In recent years, the Dalai Lama has been increasingly accommodating in his political maneuverings, pursuing a "middle way" that would ensure autonomy rather than independence and leave China in control of Tibet's foreign policy.
Meanwhile, in an unprecedented interview with Post columnist Laurence Brahm, the Beijing-recognised 11th Panchen Lama sent a message of harmony, calling on Tibetans overseas to contribute to their homeland's economic development.
The teenage religious leader, who is rarely seen in public, said: "I wish Tibetan people here and living abroad to love their country and home town, and put their efforts into economic development to raise living standards and development in their homeland."
Both lamas were disillusioned with developments in the west, pointing out the limitations materialism has in satisfying humanity, and the need for more spirituality.
The calls by both religious leaders could serve to create a rare window of opportunity for true dialogue to take place and speed up negotiations to pave the way for the homecoming of exiled Tibetans in the near future, analysts believe.
Beijingers support use of force as last resort
scmp - Wednesday, March 9, 2005
VIVIAN WU
Beijing residents approached by the South China Morning Post yesterday were all in favour of a law to stop Taiwan declaring independence, although they differed on whether the use of force was the best approach.
However, few in the streets of the capital were aware of the introduction of the anti-secession law, details of which were unveiled by NPC Vice-Chairman Wang Zhaoguo in a briefing to the national legislature yesterday.
High school student Ma Yinxiao, 18, said he was happy to know the government had a "carrot-and-stick" approach.
"I heard a recent speech by Hu Jintao on the subject in which he explained the government's stance," the student said.
"Nobody wants war, but if the separatists in Taiwan really want to make the island independent, why not use military force?"
Lawyer Wang Xuegang, 26, said the legislation was a "timely way to curb Taiwan separatists". He said: "Many countries have used war as the final solution to protect their integrity, so war is acceptable."
A company manager, who would only identify himself as Mr Chen, said the legislation was a "fairly good way of drawing a bottom line for the government to solve the issue".
"Would the US allow Hawaii to become independent?" the 63-year-old asked. "Of course not, so if bold action to separate Taiwan and the mainland cannot be halted by peaceful means, then military force would be a must."
Former PLA serviceman Zhang Jianpu said he was confident that the mainland and Taiwan would reunite, whether through peaceful or military measures.
But he said he did not want the present calm shattered by war.
"China is enjoying prosperity at the moment, but all Chinese will become victims of war," the 40-year-old said. "So I don't want the government to use force."
VIVIAN WU
Beijing residents approached by the South China Morning Post yesterday were all in favour of a law to stop Taiwan declaring independence, although they differed on whether the use of force was the best approach.
However, few in the streets of the capital were aware of the introduction of the anti-secession law, details of which were unveiled by NPC Vice-Chairman Wang Zhaoguo in a briefing to the national legislature yesterday.
High school student Ma Yinxiao, 18, said he was happy to know the government had a "carrot-and-stick" approach.
"I heard a recent speech by Hu Jintao on the subject in which he explained the government's stance," the student said.
"Nobody wants war, but if the separatists in Taiwan really want to make the island independent, why not use military force?"
Lawyer Wang Xuegang, 26, said the legislation was a "timely way to curb Taiwan separatists". He said: "Many countries have used war as the final solution to protect their integrity, so war is acceptable."
A company manager, who would only identify himself as Mr Chen, said the legislation was a "fairly good way of drawing a bottom line for the government to solve the issue".
"Would the US allow Hawaii to become independent?" the 63-year-old asked. "Of course not, so if bold action to separate Taiwan and the mainland cannot be halted by peaceful means, then military force would be a must."
Former PLA serviceman Zhang Jianpu said he was confident that the mainland and Taiwan would reunite, whether through peaceful or military measures.
But he said he did not want the present calm shattered by war.
"China is enjoying prosperity at the moment, but all Chinese will become victims of war," the 40-year-old said. "So I don't want the government to use force."
CPPCC 'needs Taiwan residents'
scmp - Thursday, March 10, 2005
JOSEPHINE MA
The Taiwanese delegation to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) should include residents of the island rather than only mainlanders, a member of the national advisory body has suggested.
Lin Jialai, deputy director-general of Fujian's Science and Technology Department, said he was waiting for a response to his proposal, which he submitted earlier this year. "The Taiwanese representatives in the NPC and CPPCC now don't know much about Taiwan. I think we should invite Taiwanese residents, such as Taiwanese businessmen who work on the mainland and support unification, to join the CPPCC," Mr Lin said.
There are 13 so-called representatives of Taiwan in the NPC, 19 CPPCC deputies from the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League and 14 CPPCC deputies from the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots.
However, most of these people were born on the mainland, and have only distant roots in Taiwan.
"For example, the members of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League are not from Taiwan and many have never been to Taiwan. They were born on the mainland," Mr Lin said.
Inviting Taiwanese residents to participate would assist the CPPCC, he added.
JOSEPHINE MA
The Taiwanese delegation to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) should include residents of the island rather than only mainlanders, a member of the national advisory body has suggested.
Lin Jialai, deputy director-general of Fujian's Science and Technology Department, said he was waiting for a response to his proposal, which he submitted earlier this year. "The Taiwanese representatives in the NPC and CPPCC now don't know much about Taiwan. I think we should invite Taiwanese residents, such as Taiwanese businessmen who work on the mainland and support unification, to join the CPPCC," Mr Lin said.
There are 13 so-called representatives of Taiwan in the NPC, 19 CPPCC deputies from the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League and 14 CPPCC deputies from the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots.
However, most of these people were born on the mainland, and have only distant roots in Taiwan.
"For example, the members of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League are not from Taiwan and many have never been to Taiwan. They were born on the mainland," Mr Lin said.
Inviting Taiwanese residents to participate would assist the CPPCC, he added.
Legislation bucks trend of warming ties, says US
scmp - Thursday, March 10, 2005
RAY CHEUNG in Beijing and ASSOCIATED PRESS in Washington
Washington yesterday labelled the proposed anti-secession law as "unhelpful" and urged Beijing to reconsider the legislation, which is scheduled to be endorsed by the National People's Congress on Monday.
"We view it as unhelpful and something that runs counter to recent trends toward a warming of cross-strait relations," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said on Tuesday.
"We would call on Beijing to reconsider the passage of the law."
The US State Department issued a statement calling the law "counterproductive", with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other members of the Bush administration expressing concern.
Washington's carefully worded criticism comes after Beijing briefed NPC deputies on the content of the law, without revealing its detailed text. It also follows weeks of back-and-forth communication between the US and the mainland in which mainland officials sought to convince their American counterparts that the anti-secession legislation was necessary to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait.
US analysts said Beijing's efforts had lessened Washington's initial concerns that the law would prove to be badly destabilising, but had not altered America's firm opposition to it.
"Beijing didn't change any views but they were successful in dropping the alarm from a four-alarm fire to a two-alarm fire," said David Lampton, a China expert at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies.
Professor Lampton said he believed the legislation was poorly timed given the recent signs of a thaw between Beijing and Taipei, such as the Lunar New Year charter flights and the visit of a senior mainland official to the island.
Bonnie Glaser, from the Centre for Strategic International Studies in Washington, also said the law was out of step. "It threatens the current fragile positive momentum," she said.
If the legislation is enacted as expected, US analysts believe it will energise Washington-based supporters of Taiwan, particularly in the US Congress, while potentially encouraging Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian to continue provoking the mainland.
"Beijing might as well call the anti-secession legislation the Chen Shui-bian Act. It gives him new options," Professor Lampton said.
Taipei has sent a senior official in Washington to lobby the Bush administration to label the law a unilateral change of the status quo.
To prevent cross-strait tensions flaring up because of the legislation, Ms Glaser said the Bush administration might actively pressure Beijing to be more flexible with Taipei in order to offset the negative impacts of the law, such as lobbying the mainland to allow the island to participate in the World Health Organisation.
For now, though, Beijing seems unfazed by the potential fallout from Washington and any resulting shifts in the triangular relationship.
Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing downplayed Washington's criticism yesterday, noting that he had spoken to Dr Rice on Tuesday. He said both sides had stressed that the mainland and the US would continue to seek a co-operative and constructive relationship.
"The overall international reaction is very good. In a country as large as the US, of course there will be different opinions, but the mainstream view is positive," he said on the sidelines of the NPC.
RAY CHEUNG in Beijing and ASSOCIATED PRESS in Washington
Washington yesterday labelled the proposed anti-secession law as "unhelpful" and urged Beijing to reconsider the legislation, which is scheduled to be endorsed by the National People's Congress on Monday.
"We view it as unhelpful and something that runs counter to recent trends toward a warming of cross-strait relations," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said on Tuesday.
"We would call on Beijing to reconsider the passage of the law."
The US State Department issued a statement calling the law "counterproductive", with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other members of the Bush administration expressing concern.
Washington's carefully worded criticism comes after Beijing briefed NPC deputies on the content of the law, without revealing its detailed text. It also follows weeks of back-and-forth communication between the US and the mainland in which mainland officials sought to convince their American counterparts that the anti-secession legislation was necessary to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait.
US analysts said Beijing's efforts had lessened Washington's initial concerns that the law would prove to be badly destabilising, but had not altered America's firm opposition to it.
"Beijing didn't change any views but they were successful in dropping the alarm from a four-alarm fire to a two-alarm fire," said David Lampton, a China expert at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies.
Professor Lampton said he believed the legislation was poorly timed given the recent signs of a thaw between Beijing and Taipei, such as the Lunar New Year charter flights and the visit of a senior mainland official to the island.
Bonnie Glaser, from the Centre for Strategic International Studies in Washington, also said the law was out of step. "It threatens the current fragile positive momentum," she said.
If the legislation is enacted as expected, US analysts believe it will energise Washington-based supporters of Taiwan, particularly in the US Congress, while potentially encouraging Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian to continue provoking the mainland.
"Beijing might as well call the anti-secession legislation the Chen Shui-bian Act. It gives him new options," Professor Lampton said.
Taipei has sent a senior official in Washington to lobby the Bush administration to label the law a unilateral change of the status quo.
To prevent cross-strait tensions flaring up because of the legislation, Ms Glaser said the Bush administration might actively pressure Beijing to be more flexible with Taipei in order to offset the negative impacts of the law, such as lobbying the mainland to allow the island to participate in the World Health Organisation.
For now, though, Beijing seems unfazed by the potential fallout from Washington and any resulting shifts in the triangular relationship.
Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing downplayed Washington's criticism yesterday, noting that he had spoken to Dr Rice on Tuesday. He said both sides had stressed that the mainland and the US would continue to seek a co-operative and constructive relationship.
"The overall international reaction is very good. In a country as large as the US, of course there will be different opinions, but the mainstream view is positive," he said on the sidelines of the NPC.
Law is a threat to peace efforts, warns Taipei
scmp - Thursday, March 10, 2005
JACKY HSU in Taipei
Beijing's anti-secession law threatens to shake the foundations of Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian's peace overtures towards the mainland, the island's premier warned yesterday.
Frank Hsieh Chang-ting's comments came as Taiwanese Defence Minister Lee Jye called for an expansion of military spending to ensure that the island would be able to fend off an attack by the mainland.
Mr Hsieh told a legislative meeting in Taipei that Mr Chen's pledges not to declare independence or change the status quo came with the precondition that Beijing did not use force against the island.
At the same meeting, Mr Lee voiced concern about the law's provisions allowing Beijing to use "non-peaceful means" to stop Taiwan separating from the mainland.
He said the phrase "non-peaceful means" was even worse than "military means", as the flexibility meant it could almost apply to anything.
His ministry was waiting for the final version of the law to see whether it spelled out what exactly would lead to war.
He said that members of Taiwan's armed forces underwent regular training to prepare for a possible attack by the mainland.
However, even if Beijing did decide to attack the island, it would take the PLA between five to 10 years to achieve the necessary combat readiness, Mr Lee said.
"Therefore, it is highly important for us to maintain our military supremacy by acquiring the necessary weapons to counter any possible attack by the mainland."
Mr Lee urged legislators to support the proposed NT$480 billion ($121 billion) arms deal with the United States, which had been lowered from NT$610.8 billion.
He said the arms package, which includes conventional submarines, anti-missile PAC-3 systems and anti-submarines planes, would ensure that the island had at least 30 years of stability - a claim disputed by opposition lawmakers.
The defence minister said it was estimated that the number of mainland ballistic missiles targeting Taiwan was expected to rise from the current 700 to at least 800 next year.
Echoing Mr Hsieh, Mainland Affairs Council spokesman Chiu Tai-san said Beijing's anti-secession law was obviously aimed at the island.
"If it is enacted, its impact on cross-strait relations will be tremendous, and this will prompt the [Taiwanese] government to reappraise its current policy toward the mainland," the spokesman for the top mainland policy body said.
Mr Chiu suggested that Taiwan might be forced to revise its current approach to dealing with the mainland, but added that the council was assessing various factors concerning cross-strait relations.
However, he stressed that as the law had still not been officially endorsed by the National People's Congress, it was too soon for Taiwan to adopt any countermeasures.
Vice-President Annette Lu Hsiu-lien also denounced the anti-secession law.
She said it would "not only seriously hamper the interests of various countries in the world, but also violates UN charters as it would unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait".
She said the government should attempt to take the issue to an international tribunal for arbitration.
SPELLING IT OUT...
Three situations that would trigger the use of non-peaceful means under the anti-secession law:
When separatist forces should act under any name or by any means to cause the fact of Taiwan's secession from China;
When major incidents entailing Taiwan's secession from China should occur; or
When possibilities for a peaceful reunification should be completely exhausted.
Source: introduction of the law by NPC Vice-Chairman Wang Zhaoguo on Tuesday
JACKY HSU in Taipei
Beijing's anti-secession law threatens to shake the foundations of Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian's peace overtures towards the mainland, the island's premier warned yesterday.
Frank Hsieh Chang-ting's comments came as Taiwanese Defence Minister Lee Jye called for an expansion of military spending to ensure that the island would be able to fend off an attack by the mainland.
Mr Hsieh told a legislative meeting in Taipei that Mr Chen's pledges not to declare independence or change the status quo came with the precondition that Beijing did not use force against the island.
At the same meeting, Mr Lee voiced concern about the law's provisions allowing Beijing to use "non-peaceful means" to stop Taiwan separating from the mainland.
He said the phrase "non-peaceful means" was even worse than "military means", as the flexibility meant it could almost apply to anything.
His ministry was waiting for the final version of the law to see whether it spelled out what exactly would lead to war.
He said that members of Taiwan's armed forces underwent regular training to prepare for a possible attack by the mainland.
However, even if Beijing did decide to attack the island, it would take the PLA between five to 10 years to achieve the necessary combat readiness, Mr Lee said.
"Therefore, it is highly important for us to maintain our military supremacy by acquiring the necessary weapons to counter any possible attack by the mainland."
Mr Lee urged legislators to support the proposed NT$480 billion ($121 billion) arms deal with the United States, which had been lowered from NT$610.8 billion.
He said the arms package, which includes conventional submarines, anti-missile PAC-3 systems and anti-submarines planes, would ensure that the island had at least 30 years of stability - a claim disputed by opposition lawmakers.
The defence minister said it was estimated that the number of mainland ballistic missiles targeting Taiwan was expected to rise from the current 700 to at least 800 next year.
Echoing Mr Hsieh, Mainland Affairs Council spokesman Chiu Tai-san said Beijing's anti-secession law was obviously aimed at the island.
"If it is enacted, its impact on cross-strait relations will be tremendous, and this will prompt the [Taiwanese] government to reappraise its current policy toward the mainland," the spokesman for the top mainland policy body said.
Mr Chiu suggested that Taiwan might be forced to revise its current approach to dealing with the mainland, but added that the council was assessing various factors concerning cross-strait relations.
However, he stressed that as the law had still not been officially endorsed by the National People's Congress, it was too soon for Taiwan to adopt any countermeasures.
Vice-President Annette Lu Hsiu-lien also denounced the anti-secession law.
She said it would "not only seriously hamper the interests of various countries in the world, but also violates UN charters as it would unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait".
She said the government should attempt to take the issue to an international tribunal for arbitration.
SPELLING IT OUT...
Three situations that would trigger the use of non-peaceful means under the anti-secession law:
When separatist forces should act under any name or by any means to cause the fact of Taiwan's secession from China;
When major incidents entailing Taiwan's secession from China should occur; or
When possibilities for a peaceful reunification should be completely exhausted.
Source: introduction of the law by NPC Vice-Chairman Wang Zhaoguo on Tuesday
Taiwan threatens mass protest against Chinese anti-secession law
scmp - Thursday, March 10, 2005
ASSOCIATED PRESS in Taipei
Updated at 2.39pm:
Taiwan’s ruling party will organise a protest by half a million people if China’s legislature approves an anti-secession law which Taipei sees as a legal foundation for a possible attack, an official said on Thursday.
Su Tseng-chang, chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party, warned Beijing against ignoring strong Taiwanese opposition to the proposed law.
“We have come to a crucial moment when the free and democratic lifestyle that took us so long to create and maintain will soon be damaged,” Su told reporters.
The proposed law is expected to be approved by China’s figurehead legislature, the National People’s Congress, on March 14.
On Tuesday, Beijing announced details of the legislation, which authorises an assault if self-ruled Taiwan moves toward formal independence. But it doesn’t say what specific actions might invite a Chinese attack.
China has repeatedly threatened to use force against Taiwan, but this is the first time it has used a law to codify the legal steps required for military action. The two sides have been separated since 1949, but Beijing claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory.
Su said the demonstration, scheduled for March 26, would include the general public and members of all political parties.
Chinese leaders say the law only authorises an assault when all other means fail to prevent Taiwanese independence.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, which handles the island’s China policy, has denounced the law as “a blank check to invade” and said it unilaterally changes the status quo.
Taiwanese officials say the law gives China the right to determine whether any democratic initiatives on the island are a step toward independence, leaving Taiwan under the threat of war at all times.
ASSOCIATED PRESS in Taipei
Updated at 2.39pm:
Taiwan’s ruling party will organise a protest by half a million people if China’s legislature approves an anti-secession law which Taipei sees as a legal foundation for a possible attack, an official said on Thursday.
Su Tseng-chang, chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party, warned Beijing against ignoring strong Taiwanese opposition to the proposed law.
“We have come to a crucial moment when the free and democratic lifestyle that took us so long to create and maintain will soon be damaged,” Su told reporters.
The proposed law is expected to be approved by China’s figurehead legislature, the National People’s Congress, on March 14.
On Tuesday, Beijing announced details of the legislation, which authorises an assault if self-ruled Taiwan moves toward formal independence. But it doesn’t say what specific actions might invite a Chinese attack.
China has repeatedly threatened to use force against Taiwan, but this is the first time it has used a law to codify the legal steps required for military action. The two sides have been separated since 1949, but Beijing claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory.
Su said the demonstration, scheduled for March 26, would include the general public and members of all political parties.
Chinese leaders say the law only authorises an assault when all other means fail to prevent Taiwanese independence.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, which handles the island’s China policy, has denounced the law as “a blank check to invade” and said it unilaterally changes the status quo.
Taiwanese officials say the law gives China the right to determine whether any democratic initiatives on the island are a step toward independence, leaving Taiwan under the threat of war at all times.
Dalai Lama renews pledge for Tibet to stay within China
scmp - Thursday, March 10, 2005
LOBSANG WANGYAL of Agence France-Presse in Dharamsala
Updated at 4.52pm:
Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Thursday renewed his commitment not to seek the independence of Tibet from China provided he be left in charge of Tibetan affairs.
"As long as I am responsible for the affairs of Tibet we remain fully committed to ... not seeking independence for Tibet and [are] willing to remain within the People's Republic of China," the Dalai Lama said in an address marking the 46th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule.
The Dalai Lama fled into exile in India in 1959 after the uprising and established his government-in-exile in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamsala.
While he says he is seeking autonomy for Tibet within China, Beijing frequently accuses him of separatism and demands he definitively give up aspirations for independence and recognise Taiwan as part of China before a settlement can be reached.
His supporters have long accused Beijing of trying to wipe out Tibet's Buddhist-based culture through political and religious repression. Direct ties between the Dalai Lama and Beijing collapsed in 1993 and were renewed only in 2002.
In his address on Thursday, the Dalai Lama expressed satisfaction at the renewed contacts with the Chinese leadership through his envoys and said he believed the third round of meetings last September showed gradual improvement in the interactions.
"We remain hopeful that eventually we will be able to develop the necessary trust and resolve this long-standing issue to our mutual benefit," he added.
"My involvement in the affairs of Tibet is not for the purpose of claiming certain personal rights or political position for myself, nor attempting to stake claim for the Tibetan administration in exile."
The lack of human rights, religious freedom and self-rule in Tibet, however, had left Tibetans dissatisfied, he said, adding that Chinese leaders hold the real authority in the so-called 'Tibet Autonomous Region'.
"China's image is tarnished by her human rights records, undemocratic actions, the lack of the rule of law and unequal implementation of autonomy rights regarding minorities, including the Tibetans," the Dalai Lama said in his address.
He believed the world is changing for the better and opting for peace, non-violence, democracy, justice and environmental protection, he said, pointing to the worldwide support to victims of the December 26 tsunami as an example.
Against this backdrop, he added, China should adopt a "reasonable policy".
LOBSANG WANGYAL of Agence France-Presse in Dharamsala
Updated at 4.52pm:
Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Thursday renewed his commitment not to seek the independence of Tibet from China provided he be left in charge of Tibetan affairs.
"As long as I am responsible for the affairs of Tibet we remain fully committed to ... not seeking independence for Tibet and [are] willing to remain within the People's Republic of China," the Dalai Lama said in an address marking the 46th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule.
The Dalai Lama fled into exile in India in 1959 after the uprising and established his government-in-exile in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamsala.
While he says he is seeking autonomy for Tibet within China, Beijing frequently accuses him of separatism and demands he definitively give up aspirations for independence and recognise Taiwan as part of China before a settlement can be reached.
His supporters have long accused Beijing of trying to wipe out Tibet's Buddhist-based culture through political and religious repression. Direct ties between the Dalai Lama and Beijing collapsed in 1993 and were renewed only in 2002.
In his address on Thursday, the Dalai Lama expressed satisfaction at the renewed contacts with the Chinese leadership through his envoys and said he believed the third round of meetings last September showed gradual improvement in the interactions.
"We remain hopeful that eventually we will be able to develop the necessary trust and resolve this long-standing issue to our mutual benefit," he added.
"My involvement in the affairs of Tibet is not for the purpose of claiming certain personal rights or political position for myself, nor attempting to stake claim for the Tibetan administration in exile."
The lack of human rights, religious freedom and self-rule in Tibet, however, had left Tibetans dissatisfied, he said, adding that Chinese leaders hold the real authority in the so-called 'Tibet Autonomous Region'.
"China's image is tarnished by her human rights records, undemocratic actions, the lack of the rule of law and unequal implementation of autonomy rights regarding minorities, including the Tibetans," the Dalai Lama said in his address.
He believed the world is changing for the better and opting for peace, non-violence, democracy, justice and environmental protection, he said, pointing to the worldwide support to victims of the December 26 tsunami as an example.
Against this backdrop, he added, China should adopt a "reasonable policy".
Exact wording of legislation remains shrouded in secrecy
scmp - Wednesday, March 9, 2005
CONGRESS BRIEFING by WANG XIANGWEI, China Editor
Beijing has partially lifted the veil on the much-anticipated anti-secession law, which would authorise military attacks against Taiwan if the island declares independence.
It has only done so partially because the exact wording of the draft, distributed to NPC deputies and CPPCC delegates on Monday night, remains shrouded in secrecy.
NPC deputies and CPPCC delegates were reportedly asked not to show the draft to journalists. A small group of legal experts and officials involved in the drafting of the law were reportedly sworn to secrecy and warned they could be charged with leaking state secrets - a crime that carries a heavy prison sentence - if they revealed any details before the law is passed on Monday.
The secrecy appears to be part of a delicate geopolitical game that Beijing is playing with Taiwan and the United States, Taipei's biggest supporter. It would also give Beijing ample time to gauge domestic and international reactions to the law in case further changes are needed.
However, the main thrust of the law should remain unchanged, as explained yesterday by Wang Zhaoguo, a senior NPC vice-chairman.
Flagged by President Hu Jintao's conciliatory speech on Saturday, the law emphasises peaceful reunification, according to Mr Wang. He stressed Beijing would refrain from using non-peaceful means, saying they would be the last resort when all efforts at peaceful reunification had been exhausted.
More indications have emerged that the current version of the law is a result of Beijing's increasing engagement with Washington over the Taiwan issue.
The next possible development to watch could well be that both sides will put further pressure on Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian to back down from his agenda of pursuing independence.
It is interesting to note that despite Washington's grievances about the anti-secession law, no key Bush administration officials have come out to strongly attack the law so far.
In January, Chen Yunlin, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office, visited Washington and met outgoing US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage and the incoming national security adviser, Stephen Hadley, for "candid" talks on the law.
In Taipei, Mr Chen held a landmark meeting with political rival James Soong Chu-yu, of the People First Party, on February 24 with both sides vowing to seek peace.
According to the joint statement, "President Chen commits to the following pledges: that during his term as president, he will not declare independence, will not change the national emblem, will not push for the inclusion of the so-called `state-to-state' description in the constitution, will not promote a referendum to change the status quo in regards to the issue of independence or unification ... "
It can hardly be a coincidence that the Chen-Soong meeting was held after Mr Soong spent a lengthy period in Washington, meeting US officials and analysts. President Hu's speech on Saturday also directly referred to the Chen-Soong meeting, in what was said by some Taiwanese officials to be the first exchange between Mr Hu and Mr Chen over the airwaves.
Some mainland analysts said Washington's decision to mention Taiwan in a joint US-Japan declaration on security arrangements appeared aimed at easing Taiwan's concerns over the ramifications of the anti-secession law.
They said this was Washington's way of reassuring Taiwan, while encouraging Mr Chen to back down from any further pursuit of independence.
Another sign that the US and Beijing are working together on Taiwan is the visit by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Beijing later this month, to discuss the Taiwan issue and the six-party talks involving North Korea.
CONGRESS BRIEFING by WANG XIANGWEI, China Editor
Beijing has partially lifted the veil on the much-anticipated anti-secession law, which would authorise military attacks against Taiwan if the island declares independence.
It has only done so partially because the exact wording of the draft, distributed to NPC deputies and CPPCC delegates on Monday night, remains shrouded in secrecy.
NPC deputies and CPPCC delegates were reportedly asked not to show the draft to journalists. A small group of legal experts and officials involved in the drafting of the law were reportedly sworn to secrecy and warned they could be charged with leaking state secrets - a crime that carries a heavy prison sentence - if they revealed any details before the law is passed on Monday.
The secrecy appears to be part of a delicate geopolitical game that Beijing is playing with Taiwan and the United States, Taipei's biggest supporter. It would also give Beijing ample time to gauge domestic and international reactions to the law in case further changes are needed.
However, the main thrust of the law should remain unchanged, as explained yesterday by Wang Zhaoguo, a senior NPC vice-chairman.
Flagged by President Hu Jintao's conciliatory speech on Saturday, the law emphasises peaceful reunification, according to Mr Wang. He stressed Beijing would refrain from using non-peaceful means, saying they would be the last resort when all efforts at peaceful reunification had been exhausted.
More indications have emerged that the current version of the law is a result of Beijing's increasing engagement with Washington over the Taiwan issue.
The next possible development to watch could well be that both sides will put further pressure on Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian to back down from his agenda of pursuing independence.
It is interesting to note that despite Washington's grievances about the anti-secession law, no key Bush administration officials have come out to strongly attack the law so far.
In January, Chen Yunlin, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office, visited Washington and met outgoing US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage and the incoming national security adviser, Stephen Hadley, for "candid" talks on the law.
In Taipei, Mr Chen held a landmark meeting with political rival James Soong Chu-yu, of the People First Party, on February 24 with both sides vowing to seek peace.
According to the joint statement, "President Chen commits to the following pledges: that during his term as president, he will not declare independence, will not change the national emblem, will not push for the inclusion of the so-called `state-to-state' description in the constitution, will not promote a referendum to change the status quo in regards to the issue of independence or unification ... "
It can hardly be a coincidence that the Chen-Soong meeting was held after Mr Soong spent a lengthy period in Washington, meeting US officials and analysts. President Hu's speech on Saturday also directly referred to the Chen-Soong meeting, in what was said by some Taiwanese officials to be the first exchange between Mr Hu and Mr Chen over the airwaves.
Some mainland analysts said Washington's decision to mention Taiwan in a joint US-Japan declaration on security arrangements appeared aimed at easing Taiwan's concerns over the ramifications of the anti-secession law.
They said this was Washington's way of reassuring Taiwan, while encouraging Mr Chen to back down from any further pursuit of independence.
Another sign that the US and Beijing are working together on Taiwan is the visit by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Beijing later this month, to discuss the Taiwan issue and the six-party talks involving North Korea.
Law will give PLA a blank cheque to attack, says Taipei
scmp - Wednesday, March 9, 2005
NAILENE CHOU WIEST in Beijing and JACKY HSU in Taipei
Taiwan has criticised the mainland for its planned enactment of an anti-secession law, saying the measure - presented yesterday to the National People's Congress - would give the PLA a "blank cheque" to attack the island.
But Wang Zhaoguo, an NPC vice-chairman, said the mainland remained committed to finding a peaceful solution.
Presenting the Anti-Secession Bill to NPC delegates at the Great Hall of the People, Mr Wang said Beijing's intent was peaceful and vowed the mainland government would not lightly resort to using force.
"Using non-peaceful means to stop secession in defence of our sovereignty and territorial integrity would be our last resort should all our efforts for peaceful reunification prove futile," Mr Wang said.
"So long as there is a glimmer of hope for peaceful reunification, we will exert our utmost effort to make it happen rather than give up."
He also added that in the event of a conflict, "non-peaceful means [would be] completely targeted against the Taiwan independence forces and not against Taiwanese compatriots".
But Chiu Tai-san, spokesman for Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, said the proposed law would give the PLA carte blanche to attack the island.
"This law exposes China's intent to use military force to annex Taiwan and dominate the region. It has essentially written a blank cheque for its military to resort to military force against Taiwan," Mr Chiu said.
He criticised Beijing for using the law to try to deny sovereignty to the Republic of China, as Taiwan calls itself, and unilaterally change the status quo. Mr Chiu said the proposed law had already created tension in the region and aroused the concern of the international community.
"The Taiwanese government offers the strongest protest regarding the disruption of peace in the East Asian region and stability in the Taiwan Strait," he said.
But Mr Chiu also noted that the fact the concrete articles of the law were not presented during yesterday's NPC session could mean the final version of the bill might not be as tough as expected. "In my personal opinion, the mainland is watching for international reactions. There will be more room for it to manoeuvre before it votes on the bill on March 14," he said.
Beijing appeared to ignore Taipei's protests yesterday.
Xinhua quoted Su Chi, a former chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council, and Her Jyh-huei, a Kuomintang legislator who is also the president of the Cross-Strait Economic and Trade Association, as saying the anti-secession law provided opportunities for Beijing and Taipei to bridge their differences.
"When news [of the legislation] reached the island, most people gave a welcome to [Beijing's move] to promote development of cross-strait relations through legal means," Xinhua said. "[They] believe this legislation is pragmatic, solid, gentle and rational."
NAILENE CHOU WIEST in Beijing and JACKY HSU in Taipei
Taiwan has criticised the mainland for its planned enactment of an anti-secession law, saying the measure - presented yesterday to the National People's Congress - would give the PLA a "blank cheque" to attack the island.
But Wang Zhaoguo, an NPC vice-chairman, said the mainland remained committed to finding a peaceful solution.
Presenting the Anti-Secession Bill to NPC delegates at the Great Hall of the People, Mr Wang said Beijing's intent was peaceful and vowed the mainland government would not lightly resort to using force.
"Using non-peaceful means to stop secession in defence of our sovereignty and territorial integrity would be our last resort should all our efforts for peaceful reunification prove futile," Mr Wang said.
"So long as there is a glimmer of hope for peaceful reunification, we will exert our utmost effort to make it happen rather than give up."
He also added that in the event of a conflict, "non-peaceful means [would be] completely targeted against the Taiwan independence forces and not against Taiwanese compatriots".
But Chiu Tai-san, spokesman for Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, said the proposed law would give the PLA carte blanche to attack the island.
"This law exposes China's intent to use military force to annex Taiwan and dominate the region. It has essentially written a blank cheque for its military to resort to military force against Taiwan," Mr Chiu said.
He criticised Beijing for using the law to try to deny sovereignty to the Republic of China, as Taiwan calls itself, and unilaterally change the status quo. Mr Chiu said the proposed law had already created tension in the region and aroused the concern of the international community.
"The Taiwanese government offers the strongest protest regarding the disruption of peace in the East Asian region and stability in the Taiwan Strait," he said.
But Mr Chiu also noted that the fact the concrete articles of the law were not presented during yesterday's NPC session could mean the final version of the bill might not be as tough as expected. "In my personal opinion, the mainland is watching for international reactions. There will be more room for it to manoeuvre before it votes on the bill on March 14," he said.
Beijing appeared to ignore Taipei's protests yesterday.
Xinhua quoted Su Chi, a former chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council, and Her Jyh-huei, a Kuomintang legislator who is also the president of the Cross-Strait Economic and Trade Association, as saying the anti-secession law provided opportunities for Beijing and Taipei to bridge their differences.
"When news [of the legislation] reached the island, most people gave a welcome to [Beijing's move] to promote development of cross-strait relations through legal means," Xinhua said. "[They] believe this legislation is pragmatic, solid, gentle and rational."
Unity law is a war decree, says DPP
scmp - Wednesday, March 9, 2005
JACKY HSU in Taipei
Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party yesterday described the mainland's anti-secession law as a "war decree" that authorises the PLA to launch an attack.
The DPP urged all citizens of Taiwan, including members of the ruling and opposition parties, to stand against the law.
"Some political parties have said the law merely targets pro-independence forces in Taiwan, but once China uses force against Taiwan, who else would be able to stay out of this?" DPP deputy secretary-general Yen Wan-ching asked after a decision-making meeting held by the party's central executive committee.
He was referring to the main opposition Kuomintang, which has accused the DPP and other pro-independence groups of repeatedly provoking Beijing by working towards independence.
Mr Yen said the public should not be deceived by the use of the phrase "non-peaceful means" in the law as an indication that Beijing had bowed to international pressure to soften the bill.
He said the law would only sabotage peace, violate Taiwan's sovereignty and unilaterally change the status quo. "For this, we hope we can all unite to express our rejection of the law," said Mr Yen, adding he hoped the KMT would call off protests on March 19.
The KMT said the demonstrations were meant to mark the first anniversary of the election-eve shooting of President Chen Shui-bian and highlight doubts over the legitimacy of his election win.
DPP secretary-general Lee Yi-yang yesterday said more than 500,000 people would take to the streets if Beijing's anti-secession legislation - scheduled to be passed on Monday by the NPC - seriously violated Taiwan's interests. He gave no timetable for the march.
Premier Frank Hsieh Chang-ting said Taiwan might revise sensitive articles in its constitution relating to the island's sovereignty if the anti-secession law was passed.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defence yesterday said it would go ahead with its annual military exercises regardless of the law.
"Our military training and deployment have nothing to do with the proposed law," said military spokesman Liu Chih-chien.
JACKY HSU in Taipei
Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party yesterday described the mainland's anti-secession law as a "war decree" that authorises the PLA to launch an attack.
The DPP urged all citizens of Taiwan, including members of the ruling and opposition parties, to stand against the law.
"Some political parties have said the law merely targets pro-independence forces in Taiwan, but once China uses force against Taiwan, who else would be able to stay out of this?" DPP deputy secretary-general Yen Wan-ching asked after a decision-making meeting held by the party's central executive committee.
He was referring to the main opposition Kuomintang, which has accused the DPP and other pro-independence groups of repeatedly provoking Beijing by working towards independence.
Mr Yen said the public should not be deceived by the use of the phrase "non-peaceful means" in the law as an indication that Beijing had bowed to international pressure to soften the bill.
He said the law would only sabotage peace, violate Taiwan's sovereignty and unilaterally change the status quo. "For this, we hope we can all unite to express our rejection of the law," said Mr Yen, adding he hoped the KMT would call off protests on March 19.
The KMT said the demonstrations were meant to mark the first anniversary of the election-eve shooting of President Chen Shui-bian and highlight doubts over the legitimacy of his election win.
DPP secretary-general Lee Yi-yang yesterday said more than 500,000 people would take to the streets if Beijing's anti-secession legislation - scheduled to be passed on Monday by the NPC - seriously violated Taiwan's interests. He gave no timetable for the march.
Premier Frank Hsieh Chang-ting said Taiwan might revise sensitive articles in its constitution relating to the island's sovereignty if the anti-secession law was passed.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defence yesterday said it would go ahead with its annual military exercises regardless of the law.
"Our military training and deployment have nothing to do with the proposed law," said military spokesman Liu Chih-chien.
Steps taken to allay Taiwanese fears
scmp - Wednesday, March 9, 2005
NAILENE CHOU WIEST in Beijing
NPC Standing Committee vice-chairman Wang Zhaoguo yesterday sought to allay the fears of Taiwanese people over the anti-secession law by holding out hope of peaceful negotiations.
The bill's details have not been made public, but Mr Wang stressed its aim was to oppose and check the secessionist activities which had escalated in recent years.
He said the mainland would, as a last resort, use "non-peaceful" measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the event that "separatist forces in Taiwan turn the separation of Taiwan and the mainland into a reality or completely destroy the conditions for peaceful unification".
Solving the Taiwanese question and achieving national reunification was China's internal affair, he said, and Beijing would not submit to interference from outside forces.
Still, he said, as long as the one-China principle was honoured, cross-strait negotiations could be restarted at any time.
Talks could be conducted in phases and with flexibility, said Mr Wang. They could cover a range of topics, such as how the two sides could formally end their state of hostility, develop cross-strait ties and achieve peaceful unification, as well as how to give Taiwan adequate room for international operations compatible with its status.
But analysts doubted Mr Wang's words would allay the concerns of islanders.
Shi Yinhong, who teaches international relations at People's University in Beijing, said mainland authorities would be the ones to judge when conditions for peaceful unification had been destroyed. "This leaves room for a pre-emptive strike to achieve reunification," he said.
Should Taiwan decide to maintain the status quo indefinitely, Beijing could see this as dashing its hopes for "peaceful reunification" and decide to force reunification, he added.
Qiao Xinsheng, a legal scholar at Zhongnan University in Wuhan, agreed that the mainland authorities' right to take the initiative to resolve the Taiwan issue was the essence of the anti-secession law.
Granted that the mainland in the past had threatened not to "sit idle" and let Taiwan break away, the anti-secession law would give it a legal basis for action, he said.
Further, the law created a fast lane to using force to achieve unification by authorising the State Council and Central Military Commission to decide on the employment of "non-peaceful means", Mr Qiao said.
They merely needed to "report" such action to the Standing Committee of the NPC, he noted.
While the draft law is still under wraps, its text was distributed to NPC deputies in closed-door discussions. However, all copies were collected by staff afterwards to prevent the bill's wording being leaked to the public.
Still, analysts do not expect significant changes to be made to the text in the next few days, before a final vote, because the tone of the draft law was moderated during the drafting process. Further toning it down would defeat the purpose of enacting an anti-secession law, they said.
If there were last-minute changes, it was unlikely they would prod foreign governments to openly criticise the law, something they had so far refrained from doing, the analysts said.
NAILENE CHOU WIEST in Beijing
NPC Standing Committee vice-chairman Wang Zhaoguo yesterday sought to allay the fears of Taiwanese people over the anti-secession law by holding out hope of peaceful negotiations.
The bill's details have not been made public, but Mr Wang stressed its aim was to oppose and check the secessionist activities which had escalated in recent years.
He said the mainland would, as a last resort, use "non-peaceful" measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the event that "separatist forces in Taiwan turn the separation of Taiwan and the mainland into a reality or completely destroy the conditions for peaceful unification".
Solving the Taiwanese question and achieving national reunification was China's internal affair, he said, and Beijing would not submit to interference from outside forces.
Still, he said, as long as the one-China principle was honoured, cross-strait negotiations could be restarted at any time.
Talks could be conducted in phases and with flexibility, said Mr Wang. They could cover a range of topics, such as how the two sides could formally end their state of hostility, develop cross-strait ties and achieve peaceful unification, as well as how to give Taiwan adequate room for international operations compatible with its status.
But analysts doubted Mr Wang's words would allay the concerns of islanders.
Shi Yinhong, who teaches international relations at People's University in Beijing, said mainland authorities would be the ones to judge when conditions for peaceful unification had been destroyed. "This leaves room for a pre-emptive strike to achieve reunification," he said.
Should Taiwan decide to maintain the status quo indefinitely, Beijing could see this as dashing its hopes for "peaceful reunification" and decide to force reunification, he added.
Qiao Xinsheng, a legal scholar at Zhongnan University in Wuhan, agreed that the mainland authorities' right to take the initiative to resolve the Taiwan issue was the essence of the anti-secession law.
Granted that the mainland in the past had threatened not to "sit idle" and let Taiwan break away, the anti-secession law would give it a legal basis for action, he said.
Further, the law created a fast lane to using force to achieve unification by authorising the State Council and Central Military Commission to decide on the employment of "non-peaceful means", Mr Qiao said.
They merely needed to "report" such action to the Standing Committee of the NPC, he noted.
While the draft law is still under wraps, its text was distributed to NPC deputies in closed-door discussions. However, all copies were collected by staff afterwards to prevent the bill's wording being leaked to the public.
Still, analysts do not expect significant changes to be made to the text in the next few days, before a final vote, because the tone of the draft law was moderated during the drafting process. Further toning it down would defeat the purpose of enacting an anti-secession law, they said.
If there were last-minute changes, it was unlikely they would prod foreign governments to openly criticise the law, something they had so far refrained from doing, the analysts said.
Jiang Zemin's resignation from last post approved
scmp - Wednesday, March 9, 2005
CARY HUANG in Beijing
The National People's Congress yesterday approved former president Jiang Zemin's resignation from his last official post as chairman of the state Central Military Commission.
Mr Jiang's resignation, marking a symbolic end to the 2-1/2-year transfer of power to a younger generation of leaders, was approved by 2,853 delegates attending the annual NPC plenary session. Eight voted against and five abstained. His exit marks the completion of the transition of power to President Hu Jintao.
Mr Jiang, 78, did not make an appearance on the stage to witness the vote, nor did the former leader show up at other functions of the NPC session.
Mr Hu took over from Mr Jiang as general-secretary of the Communist Party Central Committee in November 2002. He succeeded him as president in March 2003 and as head of the party's Central Military Commission last September.
The NPC is expected to vote for Mr Hu to become the new head of the state military body on Sunday.
Mr Jiang had held the position for almost 16 years. He replaced party chief Zhao Ziyang shortly after the military crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square in June 1989. His promotion was largely a result of political compromises among party elders who selected him as the head of the so-called third generation of leaders.
Major-General Wang Yufa, former political commissar of the People's Liberation Army garrison in Hong Kong, said the army had seen its best period of development during Mr Jiang's stewardship.
"The military has experienced a big jump ... in terms of personnel training, upgrading of weaponry and equipment and the introduction of information technology in the past 15 years," he told the South China Morning Post.
With Mr Jiang's final exit, Mr Hu will be in full command of the party, government and military. General Wang said Mr Hu had promoted the introduction of information technology in the army since taking the reins. Mr Jiang is still expected to wield considerable influence behind the scenes as he has packed many influential positions with political allies.
Six of the nine members of the all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee, and more than half of the full Politburo and State Council, are said to be allies of Mr Jiang or members of his Shanghai faction.
CARY HUANG in Beijing
The National People's Congress yesterday approved former president Jiang Zemin's resignation from his last official post as chairman of the state Central Military Commission.
Mr Jiang's resignation, marking a symbolic end to the 2-1/2-year transfer of power to a younger generation of leaders, was approved by 2,853 delegates attending the annual NPC plenary session. Eight voted against and five abstained. His exit marks the completion of the transition of power to President Hu Jintao.
Mr Jiang, 78, did not make an appearance on the stage to witness the vote, nor did the former leader show up at other functions of the NPC session.
Mr Hu took over from Mr Jiang as general-secretary of the Communist Party Central Committee in November 2002. He succeeded him as president in March 2003 and as head of the party's Central Military Commission last September.
The NPC is expected to vote for Mr Hu to become the new head of the state military body on Sunday.
Mr Jiang had held the position for almost 16 years. He replaced party chief Zhao Ziyang shortly after the military crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square in June 1989. His promotion was largely a result of political compromises among party elders who selected him as the head of the so-called third generation of leaders.
Major-General Wang Yufa, former political commissar of the People's Liberation Army garrison in Hong Kong, said the army had seen its best period of development during Mr Jiang's stewardship.
"The military has experienced a big jump ... in terms of personnel training, upgrading of weaponry and equipment and the introduction of information technology in the past 15 years," he told the South China Morning Post.
With Mr Jiang's final exit, Mr Hu will be in full command of the party, government and military. General Wang said Mr Hu had promoted the introduction of information technology in the army since taking the reins. Mr Jiang is still expected to wield considerable influence behind the scenes as he has packed many influential positions with political allies.
Six of the nine members of the all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee, and more than half of the full Politburo and State Council, are said to be allies of Mr Jiang or members of his Shanghai faction.
Top legislator says passing Taiwan law a ‘solemn mission’
scmp - Wednesday, March 9, 2005
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE in Beijing
Updated at 11.56am:
The mainland’s top legislator Wu Bangguo on Wednesday told lawmakers it was their “solemn mission” to pass a law providing a legal basis for attacking Taiwan, brushing off a US call for Beijing to think again.
Wu Bangguo told the National People’s Congress, China’s annual sitting of parliament, that “formulating the anti-secession law is a major event in China’s political life”.
“We believe that under the joint efforts of all deputies, the common will of the whole Chinese people will be voiced. The national legislature is sure to fulfil the solemn mission to do a good job in enacting the anti-secession law.”
In unveiling the law on Tuesday, the mainland said war might be the only option left if all other avenues to get Taiwan back are exhausted.
Taiwan responded by lodging the “strongest protest” against “malicious threats” while the United States branded the legislation as “unhelpful” and urged Beijing to reconsider the measure.
“We view it as unhelpful and something that runs counter to recent trends toward a warming in cross-strait relations. We would call on Beijing to reconsider passage of the law,” White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.
He said that the draft law that had been presented allowed for “punitive measures directed at Taiwan,” underlining US opposition to “any attempts to determine the future of Taiwan by anything other than peaceful means.”
The White House was also against any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo of cross-strait relations, he said.
Last month, the United States and Japan jointly issued a statement which described Taiwan as a common security issue amid China’s military build-up.
Mr Wu, formally China’s second most powerful official behind President Hu Jintao, said the law, expected to be passed on Monday, was consistent with China’s position to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“We always advocate for achieving national reunification by peaceful means ... So long as there is a glimmer of hope for peaceful reunification, we will exert our utmost to make it happen rather than give it up,” Xinhua news agency cited him as saying.
“No sovereign state can tolerate secession and every sovereign state has the right to use necessary means to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The anti-secession legislation has sparked concern it could end the “strategic ambiguity” over Taiwan’s status that has ensured decades of peace in the Taiwan Strait.
The island has been ruled separately since 1949 following a civil war.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE in Beijing
Updated at 11.56am:
The mainland’s top legislator Wu Bangguo on Wednesday told lawmakers it was their “solemn mission” to pass a law providing a legal basis for attacking Taiwan, brushing off a US call for Beijing to think again.
Wu Bangguo told the National People’s Congress, China’s annual sitting of parliament, that “formulating the anti-secession law is a major event in China’s political life”.
“We believe that under the joint efforts of all deputies, the common will of the whole Chinese people will be voiced. The national legislature is sure to fulfil the solemn mission to do a good job in enacting the anti-secession law.”
In unveiling the law on Tuesday, the mainland said war might be the only option left if all other avenues to get Taiwan back are exhausted.
Taiwan responded by lodging the “strongest protest” against “malicious threats” while the United States branded the legislation as “unhelpful” and urged Beijing to reconsider the measure.
“We view it as unhelpful and something that runs counter to recent trends toward a warming in cross-strait relations. We would call on Beijing to reconsider passage of the law,” White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.
He said that the draft law that had been presented allowed for “punitive measures directed at Taiwan,” underlining US opposition to “any attempts to determine the future of Taiwan by anything other than peaceful means.”
The White House was also against any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo of cross-strait relations, he said.
Last month, the United States and Japan jointly issued a statement which described Taiwan as a common security issue amid China’s military build-up.
Mr Wu, formally China’s second most powerful official behind President Hu Jintao, said the law, expected to be passed on Monday, was consistent with China’s position to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“We always advocate for achieving national reunification by peaceful means ... So long as there is a glimmer of hope for peaceful reunification, we will exert our utmost to make it happen rather than give it up,” Xinhua news agency cited him as saying.
“No sovereign state can tolerate secession and every sovereign state has the right to use necessary means to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The anti-secession legislation has sparked concern it could end the “strategic ambiguity” over Taiwan’s status that has ensured decades of peace in the Taiwan Strait.
The island has been ruled separately since 1949 following a civil war.
Law officials promise to listen more closely to an angry public
scmp - Wednesday, March 9, 2005
ASSOCIATED PRESS in Beijing
Updated at 2.40pm:
China’s top judge and prosecutor promised on Wednesday to improve professional standards in the country’s courts and listen more closely to the public.
This comes as China's courts have been flooded with mounting complaints of corruption and official abuses.
In annual reports to China’s parliament, the top judge and prosecutor also promised to “refine” its controversial death penalty review process, but gave no explanation. China imposes the death penalty for offences ranging from murder to nonviolent crimes such as tax evasion, and is believed to account for most of the world’s executions.
China’s courts often are criticised for their frequent use of capital punishment, low professional standards and interference by Communist Party officials in rulings.
The judicial system is “trying its best to raise the quality of trials so as to reduce repeated complaints” from the same person about the same case, said the report by Xiao Yang, president of the Supreme People’s Court.
He called on Chinese court officials to handle complaints more swiftly, while protecting petitioners from retaliation in cases where judges themselves are the target of grievances.
Courts nationwide handled more than four million complaints from the general public last year, while the number filed with the Supreme Court jumped 24 per cent to 147,665, he said.
Mr Xiao didn’t detail those complaints, but many involve the seizure of land by local officials, unpaid wages, embezzlement of public money and other abuses.
Courts also are concerned about repeat complainers who gather collectively to voice grievances, Xiao said. He didn’t elaborate, but the government worries that rising discontent about corruption and judicial abuses could threaten communist rule.
Mr Xiao promised more training for judges and more openness at trials.
“By raising the political, professional and moral quality of judges and their staff ... we will raise the quality of trials,” he said in his report.
Jia Chunwang, China’s top prosecutor, also promised to improve training for local prosecutors and stepped up efforts to combat corruption and official abuses.
In an apparent effort to show that courts are giving a full airing to cases, Mr Xiao said rulings in some 17,000 were overturned last year, though that accounted for only 0.34 per cent of the total.
The mainland will send some judges for training in Hong Kong and Macau, two former European colonies that have retained Western-style court systems since their return to Chinese rule, according to Mr Xiao.
China will also do more to punish crooked judges and “deepen the struggle against corruption,” he said.
The mainland’s frequent use of the death penalty barely received mention in Wednesday’s judicial reports.
ASSOCIATED PRESS in Beijing
Updated at 2.40pm:
China’s top judge and prosecutor promised on Wednesday to improve professional standards in the country’s courts and listen more closely to the public.
This comes as China's courts have been flooded with mounting complaints of corruption and official abuses.
In annual reports to China’s parliament, the top judge and prosecutor also promised to “refine” its controversial death penalty review process, but gave no explanation. China imposes the death penalty for offences ranging from murder to nonviolent crimes such as tax evasion, and is believed to account for most of the world’s executions.
China’s courts often are criticised for their frequent use of capital punishment, low professional standards and interference by Communist Party officials in rulings.
The judicial system is “trying its best to raise the quality of trials so as to reduce repeated complaints” from the same person about the same case, said the report by Xiao Yang, president of the Supreme People’s Court.
He called on Chinese court officials to handle complaints more swiftly, while protecting petitioners from retaliation in cases where judges themselves are the target of grievances.
Courts nationwide handled more than four million complaints from the general public last year, while the number filed with the Supreme Court jumped 24 per cent to 147,665, he said.
Mr Xiao didn’t detail those complaints, but many involve the seizure of land by local officials, unpaid wages, embezzlement of public money and other abuses.
Courts also are concerned about repeat complainers who gather collectively to voice grievances, Xiao said. He didn’t elaborate, but the government worries that rising discontent about corruption and judicial abuses could threaten communist rule.
Mr Xiao promised more training for judges and more openness at trials.
“By raising the political, professional and moral quality of judges and their staff ... we will raise the quality of trials,” he said in his report.
Jia Chunwang, China’s top prosecutor, also promised to improve training for local prosecutors and stepped up efforts to combat corruption and official abuses.
In an apparent effort to show that courts are giving a full airing to cases, Mr Xiao said rulings in some 17,000 were overturned last year, though that accounted for only 0.34 per cent of the total.
The mainland will send some judges for training in Hong Kong and Macau, two former European colonies that have retained Western-style court systems since their return to Chinese rule, according to Mr Xiao.
China will also do more to punish crooked judges and “deepen the struggle against corruption,” he said.
The mainland’s frequent use of the death penalty barely received mention in Wednesday’s judicial reports.
Law will give PLA a blank cheque to attack, says Taipei
scmp - Wednesday, March 9, 2005
NAILENE CHOU WIEST in Beijing and JACKY HSU in Taipei
Taiwan has criticised the mainland for its planned enactment of an anti-secession law, saying the measure - presented yesterday to the National People's Congress - would give the PLA a "blank cheque" to attack the island.
But Wang Zhaoguo, an NPC vice-chairman, said the mainland remained committed to finding a peaceful solution.
Presenting the Anti-Secession Bill to NPC delegates at the Great Hall of the People, Mr Wang said Beijing's intent was peaceful and vowed the mainland government would not lightly resort to using force.
"Using non-peaceful means to stop secession in defence of our sovereignty and territorial integrity would be our last resort should all our efforts for peaceful reunification prove futile," Mr Wang said.
"So long as there is a glimmer of hope for peaceful reunification, we will exert our utmost effort to make it happen rather than give up."
He also added that in the event of a conflict, "non-peaceful means [would be] completely targeted against the Taiwan independence forces and not against Taiwanese compatriots".
But Chiu Tai-san, spokesman for Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, said the proposed law would give the PLA carte blanche to attack the island.
"This law exposes China's intent to use military force to annex Taiwan and dominate the region. It has essentially written a blank cheque for its military to resort to military force against Taiwan," Mr Chiu said.
He criticised Beijing for using the law to try to deny sovereignty to the Republic of China, as Taiwan calls itself, and unilaterally change the status quo. Mr Chiu said the proposed law had already created tension in the region and aroused the concern of the international community.
"The Taiwanese government offers the strongest protest regarding the disruption of peace in the East Asian region and stability in the Taiwan Strait," he said.
But Mr Chiu also noted that the fact the concrete articles of the law were not presented during yesterday's NPC session could mean the final version of the bill might not be as tough as expected. "In my personal opinion, the mainland is watching for international reactions. There will be more room for it to manoeuvre before it votes on the bill on March 14," he said.
Beijing appeared to ignore Taipei's protests yesterday.
Xinhua quoted Su Chi, a former chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council, and Her Jyh-huei, a Kuomintang legislator who is also the president of the Cross-Strait Economic and Trade Association, as saying the anti-secession law provided opportunities for Beijing and Taipei to bridge their differences.
"When news [of the legislation] reached the island, most people gave a welcome to [Beijing's move] to promote development of cross-strait relations through legal means," Xinhua said. "[They] believe this legislation is pragmatic, solid, gentle and rational."
NAILENE CHOU WIEST in Beijing and JACKY HSU in Taipei
Taiwan has criticised the mainland for its planned enactment of an anti-secession law, saying the measure - presented yesterday to the National People's Congress - would give the PLA a "blank cheque" to attack the island.
But Wang Zhaoguo, an NPC vice-chairman, said the mainland remained committed to finding a peaceful solution.
Presenting the Anti-Secession Bill to NPC delegates at the Great Hall of the People, Mr Wang said Beijing's intent was peaceful and vowed the mainland government would not lightly resort to using force.
"Using non-peaceful means to stop secession in defence of our sovereignty and territorial integrity would be our last resort should all our efforts for peaceful reunification prove futile," Mr Wang said.
"So long as there is a glimmer of hope for peaceful reunification, we will exert our utmost effort to make it happen rather than give up."
He also added that in the event of a conflict, "non-peaceful means [would be] completely targeted against the Taiwan independence forces and not against Taiwanese compatriots".
But Chiu Tai-san, spokesman for Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, said the proposed law would give the PLA carte blanche to attack the island.
"This law exposes China's intent to use military force to annex Taiwan and dominate the region. It has essentially written a blank cheque for its military to resort to military force against Taiwan," Mr Chiu said.
He criticised Beijing for using the law to try to deny sovereignty to the Republic of China, as Taiwan calls itself, and unilaterally change the status quo. Mr Chiu said the proposed law had already created tension in the region and aroused the concern of the international community.
"The Taiwanese government offers the strongest protest regarding the disruption of peace in the East Asian region and stability in the Taiwan Strait," he said.
But Mr Chiu also noted that the fact the concrete articles of the law were not presented during yesterday's NPC session could mean the final version of the bill might not be as tough as expected. "In my personal opinion, the mainland is watching for international reactions. There will be more room for it to manoeuvre before it votes on the bill on March 14," he said.
Beijing appeared to ignore Taipei's protests yesterday.
Xinhua quoted Su Chi, a former chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council, and Her Jyh-huei, a Kuomintang legislator who is also the president of the Cross-Strait Economic and Trade Association, as saying the anti-secession law provided opportunities for Beijing and Taipei to bridge their differences.
"When news [of the legislation] reached the island, most people gave a welcome to [Beijing's move] to promote development of cross-strait relations through legal means," Xinhua said. "[They] believe this legislation is pragmatic, solid, gentle and rational."
Professor's lonely cry for peace in the Taiwan Strait
scmp - Tuesday, March 8, 2005
REUTERS in Beijing
With Beijing regularly sounding the drums of war against Taiwan, He Guanghu, one of the mainland's top experts on Christianity, is one of a rare breed.
At the risk of being branded a traitor, the Renmin University professor has argued against a military attack on Taiwan.
The 54-year-old teacher of philosophy of religion at the prestigious university in Beijing was worried about mounting tensions in the Taiwan Strait last year and felt an urgency to speak up on the politically sensitive issue.
But no mainland newspaper or magazine has dared to publish Professor He's essay, entitled "The Taiwan Strait wants peace, not war". However, it sparked heated debate after a friend posted it on the internet in November.
"It's a disgrace, ridiculous and strange that there is no such voice in a country with such a huge population and so many intellectuals," Professor He said.
"I hope the anti-secession law will leave some room for our leaders. I hope it doesn't prevent our leaders from adopting more flexible and reasonable measures towards Taiwan."
REUTERS in Beijing
With Beijing regularly sounding the drums of war against Taiwan, He Guanghu, one of the mainland's top experts on Christianity, is one of a rare breed.
At the risk of being branded a traitor, the Renmin University professor has argued against a military attack on Taiwan.
The 54-year-old teacher of philosophy of religion at the prestigious university in Beijing was worried about mounting tensions in the Taiwan Strait last year and felt an urgency to speak up on the politically sensitive issue.
But no mainland newspaper or magazine has dared to publish Professor He's essay, entitled "The Taiwan Strait wants peace, not war". However, it sparked heated debate after a friend posted it on the internet in November.
"It's a disgrace, ridiculous and strange that there is no such voice in a country with such a huge population and so many intellectuals," Professor He said.
"I hope the anti-secession law will leave some room for our leaders. I hope it doesn't prevent our leaders from adopting more flexible and reasonable measures towards Taiwan."
Vague terms provide room to manoeuvre
scmp - Tuesday, March 8, 2005
CHAN SIU-SIN
Beijing has deliberately made the terms in the anti-secession law vague to give it flexibility in case of a war against Taiwan, a Hong Kong-based China expert says.
"The terms do not list the explicit conditions under which the mainland can resort to non-peaceful methods," Johnny Lau Yui-siu said yesterday.
"Will local education in Taiwan promoting an independent Taiwan be seen as a separatist force? It is not possible to be explicit in the terms so as to provide room to manoeuvre in case of war."
He said adoption of the anti-secession law by the NPC would not mean war was imminent as it all depended on the political relationship between the mainland, Taiwan, the United States and Japan.
"In case of wars, laws are just `wrappings'. Laws are usually put aside and it's the political situations that decide [whether to resort to force]."
However, Mr Lau said the law would inflame cross-strait relations because Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party would use it to stir up emotions against the mainland authorities to increase its public support on the island.
As for requiring the Central Military Commission and State Council to report to the NPC Standing Committee, Mr Lau said this was aimed at gaining international understanding.
"Mainland law does not require the backing of the NPC Standing Committee in terms of war. It was included because many foreign governments need their parliaments' approval before going to war," he said.
Last month, the success of direct non-stop charter flights between the mainland and Taiwan during the Lunar New Year holiday added a measure of goodwill to cross-strait relations.
But Mr Lau said it was just one of the mainland's "carrot-and-stick" approaches to curry favour from Taiwanese entrepreneurs on the one hand while threatening separatists with the anti-secession law on the other.
HOW THE SAGA UNFOLDED
May 2004: Premier Wen Jiabao says he will "seriously consider" adopting a reunification law to prevent Taiwan moving towards independence in response to a question during a visit to London.
December 17: Beijing announces its plan to introduce the anti-secession law.
December 21: Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao confirms the proposed law will target Taiwan.
December 25-29: The NPC Standing Committee unanimously endorses submission of the draft law to the NPC plenum.
December 29: NPC Chairman Wu Bangguo says curbing "the secessionist activities of the Taiwanese independence forces and promoting the peaceful reunification of the motherland" are the main themes of the draft law.
December 31 and January 1: President Hu Jintao reiterates the mainland's determination to defend its sovereignty over Taiwan in his New Year messages.
January 1, 2005: In his New Year message, Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian says the proposed law will change the status quo and poses the greatest threat to regional stability and world peace.
January 5: The director of the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, Chen Yunlin, meets US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage in Washington to discuss the legislation.
February: The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission urges the Bush administration to oppose the planned legislation.
Friday: NPC spokesman Jiang Enzhu says the anti-secession law is not a war-mobilisation law, but is meant to contain Taiwan's separatist activities in order to ensure peace and stability.
Today: NPC Vice-Chairman Wang Zhaoguo will present the bill.
CHAN SIU-SIN
Beijing has deliberately made the terms in the anti-secession law vague to give it flexibility in case of a war against Taiwan, a Hong Kong-based China expert says.
"The terms do not list the explicit conditions under which the mainland can resort to non-peaceful methods," Johnny Lau Yui-siu said yesterday.
"Will local education in Taiwan promoting an independent Taiwan be seen as a separatist force? It is not possible to be explicit in the terms so as to provide room to manoeuvre in case of war."
He said adoption of the anti-secession law by the NPC would not mean war was imminent as it all depended on the political relationship between the mainland, Taiwan, the United States and Japan.
"In case of wars, laws are just `wrappings'. Laws are usually put aside and it's the political situations that decide [whether to resort to force]."
However, Mr Lau said the law would inflame cross-strait relations because Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party would use it to stir up emotions against the mainland authorities to increase its public support on the island.
As for requiring the Central Military Commission and State Council to report to the NPC Standing Committee, Mr Lau said this was aimed at gaining international understanding.
"Mainland law does not require the backing of the NPC Standing Committee in terms of war. It was included because many foreign governments need their parliaments' approval before going to war," he said.
Last month, the success of direct non-stop charter flights between the mainland and Taiwan during the Lunar New Year holiday added a measure of goodwill to cross-strait relations.
But Mr Lau said it was just one of the mainland's "carrot-and-stick" approaches to curry favour from Taiwanese entrepreneurs on the one hand while threatening separatists with the anti-secession law on the other.
HOW THE SAGA UNFOLDED
May 2004: Premier Wen Jiabao says he will "seriously consider" adopting a reunification law to prevent Taiwan moving towards independence in response to a question during a visit to London.
December 17: Beijing announces its plan to introduce the anti-secession law.
December 21: Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao confirms the proposed law will target Taiwan.
December 25-29: The NPC Standing Committee unanimously endorses submission of the draft law to the NPC plenum.
December 29: NPC Chairman Wu Bangguo says curbing "the secessionist activities of the Taiwanese independence forces and promoting the peaceful reunification of the motherland" are the main themes of the draft law.
December 31 and January 1: President Hu Jintao reiterates the mainland's determination to defend its sovereignty over Taiwan in his New Year messages.
January 1, 2005: In his New Year message, Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian says the proposed law will change the status quo and poses the greatest threat to regional stability and world peace.
January 5: The director of the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, Chen Yunlin, meets US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage in Washington to discuss the legislation.
February: The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission urges the Bush administration to oppose the planned legislation.
Friday: NPC spokesman Jiang Enzhu says the anti-secession law is not a war-mobilisation law, but is meant to contain Taiwan's separatist activities in order to ensure peace and stability.
Today: NPC Vice-Chairman Wang Zhaoguo will present the bill.
Secession law to spell out use of PLA forces
scmp - Tuesday, March 8, 2005
STAFF REPORTERS
The anti-secession law to be presented to National People's Congress delegates for review today will spell out conditions for the PLA to use force against Taiwan.
It also gives the State Council and the Central Military Commission the power to take military action first and report to the NPC Standing Committee after it has begun.
Informed sources say the proposed legislation is expected to state the People's Liberation Army can take action if "separatist forces in Taiwan turn the separation of Taiwan and the mainland into a reality or completely destroy the conditions of peaceful unification".
In an apparent effort to highlight that the proposed law is only targeting "a minority group of separatists in Taiwan", it is expected to say the central government will use all its power to safeguard the lives and property of Taiwanese people and foreigners in any conflict.
NPC delegates said the authorities were highly sensitive about possible reactions to the proposed law and were requiring them to return copies after its presentation.
A report by the semi-official Hong Kong China News Agency yesterday said the proposed anti-secession law would state clearly that it was a "domestic" [mainland] law to allay fears in Hong Kong that it would be used to muzzle dissenting voices in the city.
"The legislation will at the outset state that the mainland's positions - 'peaceful unification' and 'one country, two systems' - have not changed and it remains committed in demonstrating its 'maximum sincerity' in achieving unification," the report said.
Last Friday, President Hu Jintao outlined the mainland's position on Taiwan.
STAFF REPORTERS
The anti-secession law to be presented to National People's Congress delegates for review today will spell out conditions for the PLA to use force against Taiwan.
It also gives the State Council and the Central Military Commission the power to take military action first and report to the NPC Standing Committee after it has begun.
Informed sources say the proposed legislation is expected to state the People's Liberation Army can take action if "separatist forces in Taiwan turn the separation of Taiwan and the mainland into a reality or completely destroy the conditions of peaceful unification".
In an apparent effort to highlight that the proposed law is only targeting "a minority group of separatists in Taiwan", it is expected to say the central government will use all its power to safeguard the lives and property of Taiwanese people and foreigners in any conflict.
NPC delegates said the authorities were highly sensitive about possible reactions to the proposed law and were requiring them to return copies after its presentation.
A report by the semi-official Hong Kong China News Agency yesterday said the proposed anti-secession law would state clearly that it was a "domestic" [mainland] law to allay fears in Hong Kong that it would be used to muzzle dissenting voices in the city.
"The legislation will at the outset state that the mainland's positions - 'peaceful unification' and 'one country, two systems' - have not changed and it remains committed in demonstrating its 'maximum sincerity' in achieving unification," the report said.
Last Friday, President Hu Jintao outlined the mainland's position on Taiwan.
China says anti-secession law would authorise 'nonpeaceful steps' against rival Taiwan
scmp - Tuesday, March 8, 2005
CHRISTOPHER BODEEN of Associated Press in Beijing
Updated at 11.06am:
A proposed Chinese anti-secession law would authorise Beijing to take military action to stop rival Taiwan from pursuing formal independence if other efforts fail, a leader of China's parliament said on Tuesday.
Wang Zhaoguo, reading out the proposed law for the first time before the figurehead National People's Congress, didn't give any details of what specific developments might trigger Chinese military action.
Beijing claims Taiwan, split from the mainland since 1949, as part of its territory. The mainland government has threatened repeatedly to invade if Taiwan tries to make its independence permanent, and the new proposed law doesn't impose any new conditions or make new threats.
"If possibilities for a peaceful reunification should be completely exhausted, the state shall employ nonpeaceful means and other necessary measures to protect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Mr Wang, deputy chairman of the NPC's Standing Committee, told the nearly 3,000 NPC members gathered in the Great Hall of the People.
A final vote on the law is scheduled for March 14. It is certain to pass, because the NPC routinely approves all legislation already decided by Communist Party leaders.
The law lays out for the first time the legal requirements for taking military action, saying the Chinese Cabinet and the government's Central Military Commission "are authorised to decide on and execute nonpeaceful means and nonpeaceful measures."
Taiwanese leaders have warned that the law could set the stage for a Chinese attack on the island.
Mr Wang emphasised that military action would be "our last resort when all our efforts for a peaceful reunification should prove futile."
Mr Wang repeated complaints that activists who are agitating for Taiwan independence are a "serious threat to peace and security in the Taiwan Straits and the Asia-Pacific region as a whole."
He cited plans by Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian to hold a referendum on a new constitution that Beijing worries could include a declaration of independence for the island.
CHRISTOPHER BODEEN of Associated Press in Beijing
Updated at 11.06am:
A proposed Chinese anti-secession law would authorise Beijing to take military action to stop rival Taiwan from pursuing formal independence if other efforts fail, a leader of China's parliament said on Tuesday.
Wang Zhaoguo, reading out the proposed law for the first time before the figurehead National People's Congress, didn't give any details of what specific developments might trigger Chinese military action.
Beijing claims Taiwan, split from the mainland since 1949, as part of its territory. The mainland government has threatened repeatedly to invade if Taiwan tries to make its independence permanent, and the new proposed law doesn't impose any new conditions or make new threats.
"If possibilities for a peaceful reunification should be completely exhausted, the state shall employ nonpeaceful means and other necessary measures to protect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Mr Wang, deputy chairman of the NPC's Standing Committee, told the nearly 3,000 NPC members gathered in the Great Hall of the People.
A final vote on the law is scheduled for March 14. It is certain to pass, because the NPC routinely approves all legislation already decided by Communist Party leaders.
The law lays out for the first time the legal requirements for taking military action, saying the Chinese Cabinet and the government's Central Military Commission "are authorised to decide on and execute nonpeaceful means and nonpeaceful measures."
Taiwanese leaders have warned that the law could set the stage for a Chinese attack on the island.
Mr Wang emphasised that military action would be "our last resort when all our efforts for a peaceful reunification should prove futile."
Mr Wang repeated complaints that activists who are agitating for Taiwan independence are a "serious threat to peace and security in the Taiwan Straits and the Asia-Pacific region as a whole."
He cited plans by Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian to hold a referendum on a new constitution that Beijing worries could include a declaration of independence for the island.
Taipei threatens unity law protest
Tuesday, March 8, 2005
JACKY HSU in Taipei
Taipei has threatened to mount a massive protest against the anti-secession law, which is set to be taken up in the national legislature today, if it hurts the island's interests.
Speaking on the eve of the National People's Congress sitting that will review the controversial law, Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party yesterday said it could mass more than 500,000 people.
DPP secretary-general Lee Yi-yang set out the conditions under which the party would swing into action.
"If the law provides for the punishment and extradition of Taiwanese, if it resorts to sanctions, boycotts or any other violent means to change the cross-strait status quo, and if it threatens the survival of Taiwanese, sabotages the foundation of Taiwan's democracy and freedom, and hurts the fundamental national interest of Taiwan, the DPP will stage a massive protest" to denounce Beijing, he said.
His comments came after DPP chairman Su Tseng-chang vowed in a rally on Sunday that the ruling party would organise an island-wide demonstration against the mainland.
The scale of the protest, he said, would be similar to the 500,000-strong march staged on the streets of Hong Kong two years ago.
Taiwan has expressed grave concern over the mainland's plan to enact the law, which the island said would sabotage cross-strait and regional stability.
Mr Lee said Taiwanese people would not stand by and let the mainland use the law to punish them.
He said the reality was that Taiwan and the mainland remained divided as Beijing had never ruled the island.
"If China enacts the anti-secession law, it represents its rejection of the fact that the Republic of China is a sovereign, independent nation," he said, referring to the official title of Taiwan.
He said the basic problem for Beijing and Taipei was the mainland government's refusal to acknowledge the independent status of the "Republic of China" and its attempts to use force to resolve the problem.
DPP officials said the party would officially announce today - at a meeting of its decision-making central executive committee held to discuss the protest plan - whether the anti-secession law contained any of the "three conditions" listed by Mr Lee.
But the pro-independence Taiwan Solidarity Union, the DPP's informal ally, jeered the ruling party for not being aggressive enough in protesting against the mainland.
JACKY HSU in Taipei
Taipei has threatened to mount a massive protest against the anti-secession law, which is set to be taken up in the national legislature today, if it hurts the island's interests.
Speaking on the eve of the National People's Congress sitting that will review the controversial law, Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party yesterday said it could mass more than 500,000 people.
DPP secretary-general Lee Yi-yang set out the conditions under which the party would swing into action.
"If the law provides for the punishment and extradition of Taiwanese, if it resorts to sanctions, boycotts or any other violent means to change the cross-strait status quo, and if it threatens the survival of Taiwanese, sabotages the foundation of Taiwan's democracy and freedom, and hurts the fundamental national interest of Taiwan, the DPP will stage a massive protest" to denounce Beijing, he said.
His comments came after DPP chairman Su Tseng-chang vowed in a rally on Sunday that the ruling party would organise an island-wide demonstration against the mainland.
The scale of the protest, he said, would be similar to the 500,000-strong march staged on the streets of Hong Kong two years ago.
Taiwan has expressed grave concern over the mainland's plan to enact the law, which the island said would sabotage cross-strait and regional stability.
Mr Lee said Taiwanese people would not stand by and let the mainland use the law to punish them.
He said the reality was that Taiwan and the mainland remained divided as Beijing had never ruled the island.
"If China enacts the anti-secession law, it represents its rejection of the fact that the Republic of China is a sovereign, independent nation," he said, referring to the official title of Taiwan.
He said the basic problem for Beijing and Taipei was the mainland government's refusal to acknowledge the independent status of the "Republic of China" and its attempts to use force to resolve the problem.
DPP officials said the party would officially announce today - at a meeting of its decision-making central executive committee held to discuss the protest plan - whether the anti-secession law contained any of the "three conditions" listed by Mr Lee.
But the pro-independence Taiwan Solidarity Union, the DPP's informal ally, jeered the ruling party for not being aggressive enough in protesting against the mainland.
Secession law to spell out use of PLA forces
scmp - Tuesday, March 8, 2005
STAFF REPORTERS
The anti-secession law to be presented to National People's Congress delegates for review today will spell out conditions for the PLA to use force against Taiwan.
It also gives the State Council and the Central Military Commission the power to take military action first and report to the NPC Standing Committee after it has begun.
Informed sources say the proposed legislation is expected to state the People's Liberation Army can take action if "separatist forces in Taiwan turn the separation of Taiwan and the mainland into a reality or completely destroy the conditions of peaceful unification".
In an apparent effort to highlight that the proposed law is only targeting "a minority group of separatists in Taiwan", it is expected to say the central government will use all its power to safeguard the lives and property of Taiwanese people and foreigners in any conflict.
NPC delegates said the authorities were highly sensitive about possible reactions to the proposed law and were requiring them to return copies after its presentation.
A report by the semi-official Hong Kong China News Agency yesterday said the proposed anti-secession law would state clearly that it was a "domestic" [mainland] law to allay fears in Hong Kong that it would be used to muzzle dissenting voices in the city.
"The legislation will at the outset state that the mainland's positions - 'peaceful unification' and 'one country, two systems' - have not changed and it remains committed in demonstrating its 'maximum sincerity' in achieving unification," the report said.
Last Friday, President Hu Jintao outlined the mainland's position on Taiwan.
STAFF REPORTERS
The anti-secession law to be presented to National People's Congress delegates for review today will spell out conditions for the PLA to use force against Taiwan.
It also gives the State Council and the Central Military Commission the power to take military action first and report to the NPC Standing Committee after it has begun.
Informed sources say the proposed legislation is expected to state the People's Liberation Army can take action if "separatist forces in Taiwan turn the separation of Taiwan and the mainland into a reality or completely destroy the conditions of peaceful unification".
In an apparent effort to highlight that the proposed law is only targeting "a minority group of separatists in Taiwan", it is expected to say the central government will use all its power to safeguard the lives and property of Taiwanese people and foreigners in any conflict.
NPC delegates said the authorities were highly sensitive about possible reactions to the proposed law and were requiring them to return copies after its presentation.
A report by the semi-official Hong Kong China News Agency yesterday said the proposed anti-secession law would state clearly that it was a "domestic" [mainland] law to allay fears in Hong Kong that it would be used to muzzle dissenting voices in the city.
"The legislation will at the outset state that the mainland's positions - 'peaceful unification' and 'one country, two systems' - have not changed and it remains committed in demonstrating its 'maximum sincerity' in achieving unification," the report said.
Last Friday, President Hu Jintao outlined the mainland's position on Taiwan.
NGOs to keep links to official agencies
scmp - Monday, March 7, 2005
JOSEPHINE MA in Beijing
Non-governmental organisations must maintain their links to government agencies under amendments to regulations governing the registration of NGOs, Minister of Civil Affairs Li Xueju says.
Mr Li said on the sidelines of the National People's Congress that the long-awaited amendments to the Regulations for Registration and Management of Social Organisations would be announced in the next three months.
During the consultation period, scholars and NGOs lobbied the government to scrap the so-called "dual management system", which requires an NGO to seek a government agency as a "professional leading unit" before it can be formally registered.
The requirement has been criticised as many NGOs have found it hard to find sponsorship from government bodies, and their impartiality has been questioned due to their links to official agencies.
However, Mr Li said the requirement "suits the social structure of China and will not be changed".
He said the amendments would provide a legal framework for overseas NGOs - including those in Hong Kong and Macau - formally registering in China.
The existing regulations do not apply to overseas NGOs and many now operating on the mainland took a shortcut by registering as commercial enterprises.
"The amendments will allow us to approve overseas NGOs to operate in China," Mr Li said.
Although the amendments will give legal status to foreign NGOs, many of the organisations are wary about the requirement to forge ties with a government agency.
Deng Guosheng , deputy director of Tsinghua University's NGO Research Institute, said not many foreign charitable organisations had registered in China a year after the government promulgated the Charitable Foundations Regulations. He said the situation could worsen when the amendments came into effect because many overseas NGOs were reluctant to work under a government agency.
Dr Deng said he was one of the few scholars in favour of keeping the dual management system as he believed the Ministry of Civil Affairs did not have the resources to manage many NGOs without the help of professional leading units.
However, he said the requirement should be phased out and a government supervision commission set up to oversee NGOs.
JOSEPHINE MA in Beijing
Non-governmental organisations must maintain their links to government agencies under amendments to regulations governing the registration of NGOs, Minister of Civil Affairs Li Xueju says.
Mr Li said on the sidelines of the National People's Congress that the long-awaited amendments to the Regulations for Registration and Management of Social Organisations would be announced in the next three months.
During the consultation period, scholars and NGOs lobbied the government to scrap the so-called "dual management system", which requires an NGO to seek a government agency as a "professional leading unit" before it can be formally registered.
The requirement has been criticised as many NGOs have found it hard to find sponsorship from government bodies, and their impartiality has been questioned due to their links to official agencies.
However, Mr Li said the requirement "suits the social structure of China and will not be changed".
He said the amendments would provide a legal framework for overseas NGOs - including those in Hong Kong and Macau - formally registering in China.
The existing regulations do not apply to overseas NGOs and many now operating on the mainland took a shortcut by registering as commercial enterprises.
"The amendments will allow us to approve overseas NGOs to operate in China," Mr Li said.
Although the amendments will give legal status to foreign NGOs, many of the organisations are wary about the requirement to forge ties with a government agency.
Deng Guosheng , deputy director of Tsinghua University's NGO Research Institute, said not many foreign charitable organisations had registered in China a year after the government promulgated the Charitable Foundations Regulations. He said the situation could worsen when the amendments came into effect because many overseas NGOs were reluctant to work under a government agency.
Dr Deng said he was one of the few scholars in favour of keeping the dual management system as he believed the Ministry of Civil Affairs did not have the resources to manage many NGOs without the help of professional leading units.
However, he said the requirement should be phased out and a government supervision commission set up to oversee NGOs.
Arms embargo 'is political discrimination against China'
scmp - Monday, March 7, 2005
NAILENE CHOU WIEST in Beijing
Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said yesterday China does not need "expensive" and "useless" weapons from the European Union, but stressed the need for an end to the arms embargo imposed after the 1989 Tiananmen incident.
The arms embargo continued a "political discrimination" against Beijing, which was not compatible with the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the EU, he said.
"China is committed to peaceful development. We do not have the need to buy a lot of advanced weapons from the European Union," he told a press conference on the sidelines of the NPC meeting yesterday.
"China is a developing country. We do not have the money to buy a lot of weapons from your country that are very expensive and useless to us," he said.
Mr Li also urged the United States to adopt a long-term strategic perspective on its relations with China, especially on the handling of the Taiwan issue.
Mentioning Taiwan in a joint US-Japan declaration on security arrangements recently was an infringement on Chinese sovereignty and interference in Beijing's domestic affairs, he said.
He said the Japan-US military alliance was a bilateral agreement established under the circumstances of the cold war. Anything exceeding that bilateral scope would cause anxiety to other Asian nations and complicate regional security.
He expressed appreciation that the US government was co-operating with Beijing in investigating, and handing back to China, officials suspected of corruption.
Mr Li dismissed the recent wave of talk on the so-called "China threat" as baseless, citing the huge disparity in defence spending: the US military budget was 17.8 times that of China's last year, he said.
He said President Hu Jintao was "very likely" to attend celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the United Nations, after being invited by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
On the Korean nuclear crisis, Mr Li said Beijing hoped for an early resumption of the six-party talks, which remained the most viable way of resolving the conflict.
The six-party talks, brokered by China, brought together the two Koreas, the US, Japan and Russia, to seek a peaceful solution to the nuclear crisis. The talks have been stalled since the third round, held in June last year.
He said North Korea had expressed a commitment to a nuclear-free Korean peninsula and a willingness to consider participating in the six-party talks, after Mr Hu sent a message to leader Kim Jong-il.
"The US is a sovereign state; so is North Korea. The urgent task is for the two sides to increase their mutual trust and mutual understanding," he said.
Commenting on recent Sino-Japanese relations, Mr Li said the two countries should resolve their differences on the Diaoyu and other nearby islands through negotiations.
Beijing and Tokyo have stopped exchanging visits by top-level officials since China protested at Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, where a number of convicted war criminals are honoured.
A resumption of the visits would depend on the Japanese "taking history as a mirror" and creating proper conditions for the meetings, Mr Li said.
NAILENE CHOU WIEST in Beijing
Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said yesterday China does not need "expensive" and "useless" weapons from the European Union, but stressed the need for an end to the arms embargo imposed after the 1989 Tiananmen incident.
The arms embargo continued a "political discrimination" against Beijing, which was not compatible with the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the EU, he said.
"China is committed to peaceful development. We do not have the need to buy a lot of advanced weapons from the European Union," he told a press conference on the sidelines of the NPC meeting yesterday.
"China is a developing country. We do not have the money to buy a lot of weapons from your country that are very expensive and useless to us," he said.
Mr Li also urged the United States to adopt a long-term strategic perspective on its relations with China, especially on the handling of the Taiwan issue.
Mentioning Taiwan in a joint US-Japan declaration on security arrangements recently was an infringement on Chinese sovereignty and interference in Beijing's domestic affairs, he said.
He said the Japan-US military alliance was a bilateral agreement established under the circumstances of the cold war. Anything exceeding that bilateral scope would cause anxiety to other Asian nations and complicate regional security.
He expressed appreciation that the US government was co-operating with Beijing in investigating, and handing back to China, officials suspected of corruption.
Mr Li dismissed the recent wave of talk on the so-called "China threat" as baseless, citing the huge disparity in defence spending: the US military budget was 17.8 times that of China's last year, he said.
He said President Hu Jintao was "very likely" to attend celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the United Nations, after being invited by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
On the Korean nuclear crisis, Mr Li said Beijing hoped for an early resumption of the six-party talks, which remained the most viable way of resolving the conflict.
The six-party talks, brokered by China, brought together the two Koreas, the US, Japan and Russia, to seek a peaceful solution to the nuclear crisis. The talks have been stalled since the third round, held in June last year.
He said North Korea had expressed a commitment to a nuclear-free Korean peninsula and a willingness to consider participating in the six-party talks, after Mr Hu sent a message to leader Kim Jong-il.
"The US is a sovereign state; so is North Korea. The urgent task is for the two sides to increase their mutual trust and mutual understanding," he said.
Commenting on recent Sino-Japanese relations, Mr Li said the two countries should resolve their differences on the Diaoyu and other nearby islands through negotiations.
Beijing and Tokyo have stopped exchanging visits by top-level officials since China protested at Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, where a number of convicted war criminals are honoured.
A resumption of the visits would depend on the Japanese "taking history as a mirror" and creating proper conditions for the meetings, Mr Li said.
China's growing clout meets favour
scmp - Monday, March 7, 2005
REUTERS in London
The world has a broadly positive view of China's growing global clout, although enthusiasm for its economic influence is tempered by concern over its military potential, a survey has found.
A poll by the BBC World Service of nearly 23,000 people in 22 countries showed 48 per cent viewed China's influence overall as positive.
That was better than other global powers Russia, with a 36 per cent positive rating, and the United States, at 38 per cent, but lower than Britain at 50 per cent, the survey said.
Thirty per cent thought China's influence was negative, and 22 per cent were non-committal.
People in Japan, whose diplomatic ties with China have been tainted by territorial disputes and historical rivalry, had the lowest rating of China. Only 22 per cent polled were positive, followed by Poland with only 26 per cent.
Lebanon and the Philippines had the most benign view of China, with 74 per cent and 70 per cent respectively of those interviewed seeing its influence as positive.
Asked what they thought of China's growing economic power, 49 per cent viewed it positively and 33 per cent negatively.
But "economic power aside, most citizens do not want to see Chinese military power grow", added a World Service statement.
The survey was conducted by international polling company GlobeScan with the University of Maryland in the US.
Asked how they would feel if China became significantly more powerful militarily, most people in 17 of the 22 countries replied negatively.
"China clearly has the respect of the world because of its exceptional economic achievements, and most people seem to hope for its continued economic success," GlobeScan president Doug Miller said. "However, citizens worldwide are hoping that China will pursue a soft-power approach."
In total, 59 per cent of people disapproved of increased Chinese military power, with only 24 per cent positive.
Most worried about Chinese military power were Germans at 87 per cent, Australians at 79 per cent, Japanese at 78 per cent, Spanish at 76 per cent and Americans at 75 per cent.
India, with 56 per cent positive, was the most welcoming of increased Chinese military power.
Steven Kull, director of Maryland University's Programme on International Policy Attitudes, said "cordial" world views of China clearly depended on its self-restraint.
"It is quite remarkable that with its growing economic power China is viewed as so benign, especially by its Asian neighbours that it could threaten or seek to dominate," he said. "However, this cordial view from around the world does appear to depend on China restraining itself from seeking to convert its burgeoning economic power into a threatening military presence."
REUTERS in London
The world has a broadly positive view of China's growing global clout, although enthusiasm for its economic influence is tempered by concern over its military potential, a survey has found.
A poll by the BBC World Service of nearly 23,000 people in 22 countries showed 48 per cent viewed China's influence overall as positive.
That was better than other global powers Russia, with a 36 per cent positive rating, and the United States, at 38 per cent, but lower than Britain at 50 per cent, the survey said.
Thirty per cent thought China's influence was negative, and 22 per cent were non-committal.
People in Japan, whose diplomatic ties with China have been tainted by territorial disputes and historical rivalry, had the lowest rating of China. Only 22 per cent polled were positive, followed by Poland with only 26 per cent.
Lebanon and the Philippines had the most benign view of China, with 74 per cent and 70 per cent respectively of those interviewed seeing its influence as positive.
Asked what they thought of China's growing economic power, 49 per cent viewed it positively and 33 per cent negatively.
But "economic power aside, most citizens do not want to see Chinese military power grow", added a World Service statement.
The survey was conducted by international polling company GlobeScan with the University of Maryland in the US.
Asked how they would feel if China became significantly more powerful militarily, most people in 17 of the 22 countries replied negatively.
"China clearly has the respect of the world because of its exceptional economic achievements, and most people seem to hope for its continued economic success," GlobeScan president Doug Miller said. "However, citizens worldwide are hoping that China will pursue a soft-power approach."
In total, 59 per cent of people disapproved of increased Chinese military power, with only 24 per cent positive.
Most worried about Chinese military power were Germans at 87 per cent, Australians at 79 per cent, Japanese at 78 per cent, Spanish at 76 per cent and Americans at 75 per cent.
India, with 56 per cent positive, was the most welcoming of increased Chinese military power.
Steven Kull, director of Maryland University's Programme on International Policy Attitudes, said "cordial" world views of China clearly depended on its self-restraint.
"It is quite remarkable that with its growing economic power China is viewed as so benign, especially by its Asian neighbours that it could threaten or seek to dominate," he said. "However, this cordial view from around the world does appear to depend on China restraining itself from seeking to convert its burgeoning economic power into a threatening military presence."
Jiang Zemin resigns from state military body
scmp - Friday, March 4, 2005
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE in Beijing
Updated at 3.06pm:
China's former supreme leader Jiang Zemin on Friday formally handed in his resignation from the largely ceremonial position as chairman of the state Central Military Commission (CMC), official media said.
Mr Jiang's letter of resignation was read out at a meeting of the presidium of the National People's Congress, the rubber-stamp parliament which begins its annual full meeting on Saturday, the Xinhua news agency reported.
Jiang's title as chairman of the state CMC was his last high-level position in the government apparatus, and his resignation marks his final step into full retirement.
In terms of actual political significance, it pales in comparison with Mr Jiang's September announcement that he had given up the chairmanship of the Communist Party's CMC, which holds the real power over the country's military.
Xinhua did not say who would assume the reins of the state CMC from Mr Jiang, but the task is all but certain to go to President Hu Jintao, Mr Jiang's successor who has taken over all of his other responsibilities.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE in Beijing
Updated at 3.06pm:
China's former supreme leader Jiang Zemin on Friday formally handed in his resignation from the largely ceremonial position as chairman of the state Central Military Commission (CMC), official media said.
Mr Jiang's letter of resignation was read out at a meeting of the presidium of the National People's Congress, the rubber-stamp parliament which begins its annual full meeting on Saturday, the Xinhua news agency reported.
Jiang's title as chairman of the state CMC was his last high-level position in the government apparatus, and his resignation marks his final step into full retirement.
In terms of actual political significance, it pales in comparison with Mr Jiang's September announcement that he had given up the chairmanship of the Communist Party's CMC, which holds the real power over the country's military.
Xinhua did not say who would assume the reins of the state CMC from Mr Jiang, but the task is all but certain to go to President Hu Jintao, Mr Jiang's successor who has taken over all of his other responsibilities.
Beijing tries to ease fears that anti-secession law sets stage for war with Taiwan
scmp - Friday, March 4, 2005
ASSOCIATED PRESS in Beijing
Updated at 2.34pm:
A Chinese government spokesman tried on Friday to ease fears that a proposed anti-secession law could lead to an attack on rival Taiwan, saying the legislation wasn't a "war mobilisation order."
Beijing says the law, due to be enacted by parliament during an annual session that begins on Saturday, is meant to head off any move toward independence for Taiwan, which split with the mainland in 1949 following a bitter civil war.
Details of the law haven't been released, and Taiwanese officials say it could be used as a pretext for an attack.
"This law is not at all a law on the use of force against Taiwan, let alone a war mobilisation order," Jiang Enzhu, a spokesman for the legislature, said at a news conference.
However, Mr Jiang didn't give any details of the law.
Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has threatened to invade if it tries to make its de facto independence permanent or puts off talks on unification.
Mr Jiang accused Taiwanese activists of misrepresenting the measure.
"It will be futile for independence forces to distort this law to mislead international public opinion," Mr Jiang said.
Chinese officials say the law was prompted by Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian's plans for a referendum on a new constitution, which Beijing worries could include a declaration of formal independence.
"Taiwan independence forces and their adventurous moves have seriously threatened China's state sovereignty and territorial integrity," Mr Jiang said.
ASSOCIATED PRESS in Beijing
Updated at 2.34pm:
A Chinese government spokesman tried on Friday to ease fears that a proposed anti-secession law could lead to an attack on rival Taiwan, saying the legislation wasn't a "war mobilisation order."
Beijing says the law, due to be enacted by parliament during an annual session that begins on Saturday, is meant to head off any move toward independence for Taiwan, which split with the mainland in 1949 following a bitter civil war.
Details of the law haven't been released, and Taiwanese officials say it could be used as a pretext for an attack.
"This law is not at all a law on the use of force against Taiwan, let alone a war mobilisation order," Jiang Enzhu, a spokesman for the legislature, said at a news conference.
However, Mr Jiang didn't give any details of the law.
Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has threatened to invade if it tries to make its de facto independence permanent or puts off talks on unification.
Mr Jiang accused Taiwanese activists of misrepresenting the measure.
"It will be futile for independence forces to distort this law to mislead international public opinion," Mr Jiang said.
Chinese officials say the law was prompted by Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian's plans for a referendum on a new constitution, which Beijing worries could include a declaration of formal independence.
"Taiwan independence forces and their adventurous moves have seriously threatened China's state sovereignty and territorial integrity," Mr Jiang said.
New regulations on religious freedom to be enacted
scmp - Tuesday, March 1, 2005
ALEXA OLESEN of Associated Press in Beijing
Updated at 2.09pm:
China introduced new regulations on Tuesday intended to protect freedom of faith, although critics argue that the broad guidelines could be used to persecute religious groups that authorities deem troublesome.
The guidelines are meant to give a legal framework for China's constitutional promise of freedom of religion, state media have reported.
Under existing laws, communist authorities allow worship only in state-monitored churches, temples or mosques. Millions of believers attend unauthorised services, often in private homes, but are subject to arrest and harassment.
China, which will convene its annual legislative session on Saturday in Beijing, has banned many religious or spiritual groups, including the Falun Gong movement and churches loyal to the pope. It also tightly controls Tibetan Buddhism.
The Regulations on Religious Affairs cover everything from how licensed organisations can accept religious donations and claim tax exemptions, to how religious institutions may accept foreign students, among other topics, according to the state-run newspaper China Daily.
The new law says that "anyone who compels citizens to believe in or not believe in any religions ... shall be ordered to make corrections by the religious affairs department" and could face criminal charges, the newspaper said.
Such language could be used to persecute the faithful that it allegedly protects, contends Nicolas Becquelin, research director of the New York-based Human Rights in China.
"The law purports to protect 'normal' religious activities, which in effect means religious activities expressly authorised by the state through a system of compulsory licensing and mandatory inspections," he said.
Becquelin said overly broad regulations have in the past been used as a pretext to "suspend, ban, suppress religious congregations as well as fine, detain or arrest religious practitioners."
Other foreign observers say the outcome of the new law remains uncertain.
Egil Lothe of the Oslo Coalition on Freedom of Religion or Belief, a nonprofit Norwegian group, said the new regulations offer "an improvement on present practices," because they give clearer procedures for registering religious groups and institutions.
But, "to what extent the regulations will change other aspects of Chinese policies on religion remains to be seen," Lothe added.
The US State Department said in a 2003 report that China "tries to control and regulate religious groups to prevent the rise of groups that could constitute sources of authority outside of the control of the government and the Chinese Communist Party."
The report called the Chinese government's respect of religious freedom "poor".
ALEXA OLESEN of Associated Press in Beijing
Updated at 2.09pm:
China introduced new regulations on Tuesday intended to protect freedom of faith, although critics argue that the broad guidelines could be used to persecute religious groups that authorities deem troublesome.
The guidelines are meant to give a legal framework for China's constitutional promise of freedom of religion, state media have reported.
Under existing laws, communist authorities allow worship only in state-monitored churches, temples or mosques. Millions of believers attend unauthorised services, often in private homes, but are subject to arrest and harassment.
China, which will convene its annual legislative session on Saturday in Beijing, has banned many religious or spiritual groups, including the Falun Gong movement and churches loyal to the pope. It also tightly controls Tibetan Buddhism.
The Regulations on Religious Affairs cover everything from how licensed organisations can accept religious donations and claim tax exemptions, to how religious institutions may accept foreign students, among other topics, according to the state-run newspaper China Daily.
The new law says that "anyone who compels citizens to believe in or not believe in any religions ... shall be ordered to make corrections by the religious affairs department" and could face criminal charges, the newspaper said.
Such language could be used to persecute the faithful that it allegedly protects, contends Nicolas Becquelin, research director of the New York-based Human Rights in China.
"The law purports to protect 'normal' religious activities, which in effect means religious activities expressly authorised by the state through a system of compulsory licensing and mandatory inspections," he said.
Becquelin said overly broad regulations have in the past been used as a pretext to "suspend, ban, suppress religious congregations as well as fine, detain or arrest religious practitioners."
Other foreign observers say the outcome of the new law remains uncertain.
Egil Lothe of the Oslo Coalition on Freedom of Religion or Belief, a nonprofit Norwegian group, said the new regulations offer "an improvement on present practices," because they give clearer procedures for registering religious groups and institutions.
But, "to what extent the regulations will change other aspects of Chinese policies on religion remains to be seen," Lothe added.
The US State Department said in a 2003 report that China "tries to control and regulate religious groups to prevent the rise of groups that could constitute sources of authority outside of the control of the government and the Chinese Communist Party."
The report called the Chinese government's respect of religious freedom "poor".
India lays claim to world's first 'tree-huggers'
scmp - Monday, February 28, 2005
PETER KAMMERER
Those despairing the lack of progress in tackling some of Asia's environmental eyesores need look no further than their own backyard for inspiration.
While the term "tree-hugger" is synonymous with activists in the US and Europe taking to the branches of trees in the 1980s to stop infrastructure projects, the idea apparently originated in India.
There, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh in April 1973, women and children in a rural village put their arms around trees to prevent government-sanctioned contractors from cutting them down for wood to make cricket bats. Soon, hundreds of people in the area were hugging trees and the movement became known as Chipko, a word meaning "embrace".
Leading Chipko member Sunderlal Bahuguna said the trees were important because their leaves provided fodder for animals.
"If we had let the men with axes cut the trees down, we would have not been able to feed our animals," he said. "To us, the trees were life."
Mr Bahuguna, 78, said a woman seeing a man about to cut down a tree had hit upon the idea spontaneously.
"She told me later that she had imagined herself walking through the forest with her young child and coming across a tiger," he said. "She asked herself what she would do in such a situation and concluded she would put the child to her breast, so that if the tiger attacked, she would die first, but the child would have a chance of surviving. She instantly embraced the tree."
Mr Bahuguna became a leading light of the campaign, coining the Chipko slogan "ecology is permanent economy", and winning a ban on the felling of green trees in the area in 1981 with a personal appeal to then prime minister Indira Gandhi.
From 1981 to 1983, he made a 5,000km trans-Himalayan walk to widen the message and in doing so won logging bans in other parts of India.
The veteran activist said the Chipko movement's principles could be applied to other environmental issues in Asia and cited his present project - stopping a dam from being built near his village.
"For 15 years, I have been sitting on the bank of the river to stop the dam from going ahead," he said. "They have built the walls, but have so far been unable to fill it."
PETER KAMMERER
Those despairing the lack of progress in tackling some of Asia's environmental eyesores need look no further than their own backyard for inspiration.
While the term "tree-hugger" is synonymous with activists in the US and Europe taking to the branches of trees in the 1980s to stop infrastructure projects, the idea apparently originated in India.
There, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh in April 1973, women and children in a rural village put their arms around trees to prevent government-sanctioned contractors from cutting them down for wood to make cricket bats. Soon, hundreds of people in the area were hugging trees and the movement became known as Chipko, a word meaning "embrace".
Leading Chipko member Sunderlal Bahuguna said the trees were important because their leaves provided fodder for animals.
"If we had let the men with axes cut the trees down, we would have not been able to feed our animals," he said. "To us, the trees were life."
Mr Bahuguna, 78, said a woman seeing a man about to cut down a tree had hit upon the idea spontaneously.
"She told me later that she had imagined herself walking through the forest with her young child and coming across a tiger," he said. "She asked herself what she would do in such a situation and concluded she would put the child to her breast, so that if the tiger attacked, she would die first, but the child would have a chance of surviving. She instantly embraced the tree."
Mr Bahuguna became a leading light of the campaign, coining the Chipko slogan "ecology is permanent economy", and winning a ban on the felling of green trees in the area in 1981 with a personal appeal to then prime minister Indira Gandhi.
From 1981 to 1983, he made a 5,000km trans-Himalayan walk to widen the message and in doing so won logging bans in other parts of India.
The veteran activist said the Chipko movement's principles could be applied to other environmental issues in Asia and cited his present project - stopping a dam from being built near his village.
"For 15 years, I have been sitting on the bank of the river to stop the dam from going ahead," he said. "They have built the walls, but have so far been unable to fill it."
All about the congress
scmp - Monday, February 28, 2005
National People's Congress
China's highest law-making body, it has the power to amend the constitution and promulgate laws of "national significance". The 2,985-strong body appoints and dismisses national leaders and government ministers. During the annual conference, it reviews the premier's Government Work Report, the budget, the state development plan report, the Supreme People's Court and Supreme People's Procuratorate reports, proposed legislation, as well as other resolutions submitted by the NPC Standing Committee. The chairman of the body is Wu Bangguo .
The NPC meets once a year, with a Standing Committee meeting in between the annual sessions to vet laws and perform other duties. The Standing Committee is supported by the Legislative Affairs Commission, as well as three committees, including the Hong Kong Basic Law Committee.
Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference
Before the NPC was formed in 1954, the CPPCC was the highest national body, responsible for the promulgation of legislation crucial to the founding of the People's Republic.
Today, the CPPCC is not a law-making body and it has no power over the appointment of officials. Many of its members are retired government leaders, scholars, experts and private businesspeople, as well as prominent artists and athletes, who mainly play a consultative role to the leadership. The CPPCC chairman is Jia Qinglin .
Plenary sessions
The NPC and CPPCC hold a plenary session every year. It is an occasion for the national legislature to vet government reports, elect officials and approve decisions, with parallel discussion sometimes going on at the CPPCC.
On the last day of the NPC conference, NPC delegates will vote on these reports. Since there is no opposition party, the percentage of acceptance votes of these reports is often considered a measurement of the government's performance by NPC delegates.
Group discussion meetings
The NPC and CPPCC do not hold debates at the annual conferences.
Delegates hold group discussion meetings instead. It is a custom that state and provincial leaders attend these discussions to "solicit" delegates' views.
National People's Congress
China's highest law-making body, it has the power to amend the constitution and promulgate laws of "national significance". The 2,985-strong body appoints and dismisses national leaders and government ministers. During the annual conference, it reviews the premier's Government Work Report, the budget, the state development plan report, the Supreme People's Court and Supreme People's Procuratorate reports, proposed legislation, as well as other resolutions submitted by the NPC Standing Committee. The chairman of the body is Wu Bangguo .
The NPC meets once a year, with a Standing Committee meeting in between the annual sessions to vet laws and perform other duties. The Standing Committee is supported by the Legislative Affairs Commission, as well as three committees, including the Hong Kong Basic Law Committee.
Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference
Before the NPC was formed in 1954, the CPPCC was the highest national body, responsible for the promulgation of legislation crucial to the founding of the People's Republic.
Today, the CPPCC is not a law-making body and it has no power over the appointment of officials. Many of its members are retired government leaders, scholars, experts and private businesspeople, as well as prominent artists and athletes, who mainly play a consultative role to the leadership. The CPPCC chairman is Jia Qinglin .
Plenary sessions
The NPC and CPPCC hold a plenary session every year. It is an occasion for the national legislature to vet government reports, elect officials and approve decisions, with parallel discussion sometimes going on at the CPPCC.
On the last day of the NPC conference, NPC delegates will vote on these reports. Since there is no opposition party, the percentage of acceptance votes of these reports is often considered a measurement of the government's performance by NPC delegates.
Group discussion meetings
The NPC and CPPCC do not hold debates at the annual conferences.
Delegates hold group discussion meetings instead. It is a custom that state and provincial leaders attend these discussions to "solicit" delegates' views.
All about the congress
scmp - Monday, February 28, 2005
National People's Congress
China's highest law-making body, it has the power to amend the constitution and promulgate laws of "national significance". The 2,985-strong body appoints and dismisses national leaders and government ministers. During the annual conference, it reviews the premier's Government Work Report, the budget, the state development plan report, the Supreme People's Court and Supreme People's Procuratorate reports, proposed legislation, as well as other resolutions submitted by the NPC Standing Committee. The chairman of the body is Wu Bangguo .
The NPC meets once a year, with a Standing Committee meeting in between the annual sessions to vet laws and perform other duties. The Standing Committee is supported by the Legislative Affairs Commission, as well as three committees, including the Hong Kong Basic Law Committee.
Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference
Before the NPC was formed in 1954, the CPPCC was the highest national body, responsible for the promulgation of legislation crucial to the founding of the People's Republic.
Today, the CPPCC is not a law-making body and it has no power over the appointment of officials. Many of its members are retired government leaders, scholars, experts and private businesspeople, as well as prominent artists and athletes, who mainly play a consultative role to the leadership. The CPPCC chairman is Jia Qinglin .
Plenary sessions
The NPC and CPPCC hold a plenary session every year. It is an occasion for the national legislature to vet government reports, elect officials and approve decisions, with parallel discussion sometimes going on at the CPPCC.
On the last day of the NPC conference, NPC delegates will vote on these reports. Since there is no opposition party, the percentage of acceptance votes of these reports is often considered a measurement of the government's performance by NPC delegates.
Group discussion meetings
The NPC and CPPCC do not hold debates at the annual conferences.
Delegates hold group discussion meetings instead. It is a custom that state and provincial leaders attend these discussions to "solicit" delegates' views.
National People's Congress
China's highest law-making body, it has the power to amend the constitution and promulgate laws of "national significance". The 2,985-strong body appoints and dismisses national leaders and government ministers. During the annual conference, it reviews the premier's Government Work Report, the budget, the state development plan report, the Supreme People's Court and Supreme People's Procuratorate reports, proposed legislation, as well as other resolutions submitted by the NPC Standing Committee. The chairman of the body is Wu Bangguo .
The NPC meets once a year, with a Standing Committee meeting in between the annual sessions to vet laws and perform other duties. The Standing Committee is supported by the Legislative Affairs Commission, as well as three committees, including the Hong Kong Basic Law Committee.
Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference
Before the NPC was formed in 1954, the CPPCC was the highest national body, responsible for the promulgation of legislation crucial to the founding of the People's Republic.
Today, the CPPCC is not a law-making body and it has no power over the appointment of officials. Many of its members are retired government leaders, scholars, experts and private businesspeople, as well as prominent artists and athletes, who mainly play a consultative role to the leadership. The CPPCC chairman is Jia Qinglin .
Plenary sessions
The NPC and CPPCC hold a plenary session every year. It is an occasion for the national legislature to vet government reports, elect officials and approve decisions, with parallel discussion sometimes going on at the CPPCC.
On the last day of the NPC conference, NPC delegates will vote on these reports. Since there is no opposition party, the percentage of acceptance votes of these reports is often considered a measurement of the government's performance by NPC delegates.
Group discussion meetings
The NPC and CPPCC do not hold debates at the annual conferences.
Delegates hold group discussion meetings instead. It is a custom that state and provincial leaders attend these discussions to "solicit" delegates' views.
Jiang's departure will complete transition of power
scmp - Monday, February 28, 2005
CARY HUANG in Beijing
The transition of power from the third to fourth generation of modern China's leaders will be concluded at the National People's Congress session when former president Jiang Zemin steps down from his last official position, as head of the state Central Military Commission (CMC).
On assuming the position, President Hu Jintao , 62, will have completed his long journey to becoming China's undisputed leader.
Mr Hu became Communist Party general secretary in November 2002, president in March 2003 and head of the party's CMC in September last year.
The positions of party and state CMC chairman are usually held by the same person, but the party post is more important because communist doctrine states "the gun should be absolutely under the command of the party".
But Mr Jiang's influence will continue to be felt.
Mr Hu and members of his moderate clique have been hamstrung in initiating dramatic policy changes or launching long-awaited political reforms. Six of the nine members of the all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee, and more than half of the full Politburo and State Council, are said to be allies of Mr Jiang or members of his Shanghai faction.
Since rising to power, Mr Hu and Premier Wen Jiabao have largely continued the policies of the Jiang era, such as maintaining rapid economic growth and trade liberalisation while cracking down on dissent and quashing hopes for democratic reform.
Observers note that Mr Hu and Mr Wen have avoided touchy subjects such as political reform, and their achievements have largely been limited to introducing institutional reforms to make government officials more accountable.
Mr Jiang's influence was also seen in the central government's chilly attitude towards the recent death of ousted party chief Zhao Ziyang . Many Chinese felt Beijing should have honoured Zhao as he had played a pivotal role in the early years of China's liberalisation.
A barometer of the political climate will be whether Mr Jiang's Shanghai faction succeeds in promoting Vice-President Zeng Qinghong , the former president's right-hand man, to vice-chairman of the CMC. But after Mr Jiang relinquishes his last position, there will be no doubt that the running of the country is firmly in the hands of Mr Hu and Mr Wen.
Analysts are also waiting to see whether the fourth generation will take steps to slow the military build-up, tone down the rhetoric on Taiwan, or display a more moderate attitude towards Hong Kong.
Since the massive street protests in Hong Kong on July 1, 2003, which attracted 500,000 people, and again last year, Beijing has undertaken a series of measures to boost the city's economy.
But Mr Zeng, the most senior official in charge of Hong Kong affairs, has adopted a hardline approach towards political reform and - through an interpretation of the Basic Law last April - Beijing has ruled out electing Hong Kong's chief executive through universal suffrage in 2007 and the Legislative Council a year later.
CARY HUANG in Beijing
The transition of power from the third to fourth generation of modern China's leaders will be concluded at the National People's Congress session when former president Jiang Zemin steps down from his last official position, as head of the state Central Military Commission (CMC).
On assuming the position, President Hu Jintao , 62, will have completed his long journey to becoming China's undisputed leader.
Mr Hu became Communist Party general secretary in November 2002, president in March 2003 and head of the party's CMC in September last year.
The positions of party and state CMC chairman are usually held by the same person, but the party post is more important because communist doctrine states "the gun should be absolutely under the command of the party".
But Mr Jiang's influence will continue to be felt.
Mr Hu and members of his moderate clique have been hamstrung in initiating dramatic policy changes or launching long-awaited political reforms. Six of the nine members of the all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee, and more than half of the full Politburo and State Council, are said to be allies of Mr Jiang or members of his Shanghai faction.
Since rising to power, Mr Hu and Premier Wen Jiabao have largely continued the policies of the Jiang era, such as maintaining rapid economic growth and trade liberalisation while cracking down on dissent and quashing hopes for democratic reform.
Observers note that Mr Hu and Mr Wen have avoided touchy subjects such as political reform, and their achievements have largely been limited to introducing institutional reforms to make government officials more accountable.
Mr Jiang's influence was also seen in the central government's chilly attitude towards the recent death of ousted party chief Zhao Ziyang . Many Chinese felt Beijing should have honoured Zhao as he had played a pivotal role in the early years of China's liberalisation.
A barometer of the political climate will be whether Mr Jiang's Shanghai faction succeeds in promoting Vice-President Zeng Qinghong , the former president's right-hand man, to vice-chairman of the CMC. But after Mr Jiang relinquishes his last position, there will be no doubt that the running of the country is firmly in the hands of Mr Hu and Mr Wen.
Analysts are also waiting to see whether the fourth generation will take steps to slow the military build-up, tone down the rhetoric on Taiwan, or display a more moderate attitude towards Hong Kong.
Since the massive street protests in Hong Kong on July 1, 2003, which attracted 500,000 people, and again last year, Beijing has undertaken a series of measures to boost the city's economy.
But Mr Zeng, the most senior official in charge of Hong Kong affairs, has adopted a hardline approach towards political reform and - through an interpretation of the Basic Law last April - Beijing has ruled out electing Hong Kong's chief executive through universal suffrage in 2007 and the Legislative Council a year later.
