The formulation of the Anti-Secession Law is aimed to uproot the source of threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, a senior legislator said in Beijing Tuesday.
  
China will resolutely oppose and check the secessionist activities of the "Taiwan independence" forces through the legislation of the anti-secession law, said Wang Zhaoguo, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature.
  
"Given the current state and future trend of the cross-Straits relations, it is imperative to resolutely oppose and check the secessionist activities of the 'Taiwan independence' forces," Wang Zhaoguo said in his explanations on the draft legislation at the legislature's ongoing annual session.
  
Otherwise, he said, the source of threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits can not be uprooted, the historic opportunity for common development and common prosperity of the two sides of the Straits will be lost, the interests and welfare of the Taiwan compatriots will be ruined and the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation will suffer damage.
  
The legislation, therefore, begins by making clear that this Law is formulated, in accordance with the Constitution, for the purpose of opposing and checking Taiwan's secession from China by secessionists in the name of "Taiwan independence", promoting peaceful national reunification, maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, preserving China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and safeguarding the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, Wang said.
  
"Such a provision defines both the legislative purpose and the scope of application of this legislation," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 8, 2005)