II. The Principles for and Evolution of the Draft Legislation

The overarching principle for the legislation is to act under the guidance of the Deng Xiaoping Theory and the important thought of "Three Represents" and on the basis of the Constitution, implement the policy guideline of the central authorities on Taiwan, closely focus on the theme of opposing and checking the secessionist activities of the "Taiwan independence" forces and promoting a peaceful reunification of the motherland, give full expression to our consistent position of doing our utmost with maximum sincerity for a peaceful reunification and, at the same time, demonstrate the common will and strong resolve of the entire Chinese people to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity while never allowing the "Taiwan independence" forces to make Taiwan secede from China under any name or by any means.

In our legislative work, we must base ourselves on the above principles, heed the views from various quarters fully and follow the prescribed procedures strictly.  In order to do a proper job, the drafting team carefully reviewed the comments and proposals on the Taiwan-related legislation made by Deputies to the NPC, Members of the National Committee of the CPPCC, people from all walks of life and overseas Chinese communities over the past few years. 

Chairman Wu Bangguo of the Standing Committee of the NPC convened four workshops to listen to the views of leading officials from certain provinces and municipalities, jurists and Taiwan specialists, heads of relevant central departments, compatriots from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao and representatives of overseas Chinese communities. 

After pooling and studying the opinions from the various quarters, a comment-seeking copy of the Anti-Secession Law (Draft) was prepared. 

General Secretary Hu Jintao then chaired a forum for the central leaders of the Democratic Parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and personages with no party affiliations, and Chairman Wu Bangguo convened a discussion for legal experts and Taiwan specialists to listen to their views on the comment-seeking copy of the draft legislation. 

The draft was further revised on that basis to become the Anti-Secession Law (Draft) in its present form.

At its 13th meeting, the Standing Committee of the Tenth NPC carefully considered the draft legislation, unanimously passed the bill on the Anti-Secession Law (Draft) and decided to submit it to this NPC Session for deliberation. 

(Xinhua News Agency March 8, 2005)