Zhang Nianchi: The Anti-Secession Law aims at the so-called "Taiwan independence timetable''

Zhang Nianchi, a well-known mainland expert on Taiwan issue and director of the Institute of East Asian Studies in Shanghai, said in Shanghai yesterday (March 17) that the recent reason for the adoption of the Anti-Secession Law is specially targeted at the so-called "Taiwan independence timetable'' proposed by the Taiwan authorities two years ago. Chen Shui-bian authorities should be fully responsible for the certain tension existed in the relations across the Taiwan Straits in recent two years.

Zhang Nianchi expressed the above-mentioned viewpoint when he attended the symposium on the Anti-Secession Law held by the personages from all walks of life in Shanghai.

He said the debut of the law is a measure in an effort to achieving a "peaceful reunification'' on the part of the mainland. And the debut of the law is conducive to the creation of a peaceful and stable social environment on both sides of the Straits.

Zhang Nianchi pointed out the recent reason for the adoption of the Anti-Secession Law is specially targeted at the so-called "Taiwan independence timetable'' proposed by the Taiwan authorities two years ago. The Anti-Secession Law is driven completely by the "Taiwan independence'' forces. According to his analysis, in recent years the "gradual approach of "Taiwan independence'' has continuously nibbled away the fundamental principle that both sides across the Straits "belong to one China''. The National People Congress has timely reviewed and passed the Anti-Secession Law, which is an "initiative action'' taken by the mainland against the "Taiwan independence'' secessionist forces. The experiences made by the mainland in its coping with the Taiwan affairs in many years show that it is only by the form of legislation and by taking an initiative action to put forward "the rule of games'' that can check and oppose the "Taiwan independence'' fundamentally.

When answering questions put to him by Taiwan reporters Zhang Nianchi said he has noticed that the Chen Shui-bian authorities openly claimed that it would hold so-called "March 26 demonstration'' and instigate "a million masses'' in opposition to the adoption of the Anti-Secession Law. Therewith, in comparison with "placing hopes on the Taiwan people'' put forward by President Hu Jintao in his earnest speech, the civilians within the island will understand which side will be the wholehearted representative for maintaining cross-Straits peace and safeguarding the interests of the people by means of their own resolving power.

Zhang Nianchi still calls on the people of insight and media in Taiwan to have correct guide to the broad people on the island. He said all of us do not wish to see part of the island "Taiwan independence'' secessionists make use of the "March 26 demonstration'' to challenge "the Anti-Secession Law''.

By People's Daily Online