BEIJING, Dec. 27 -- Lawmakers described a new anti-secession law as "extremely necessary" and "very timely" during group discussions yesterday.

    The draft law was submitted on Saturday for deliberation at the ongoing 13th session of the Standing Committee of the 10th People's National Congress (NPC) being held in Beijing from December 25 to 29.

    During a session attended by top legislator Wu Bangguo, the members of the NPC Standing Committee unanimously said Taiwan is an indispensable part of China, and that the mainland has made a sustained effort for peaceful reunification.

    The new law, upholding territorial integrity and national unity, will help mobilize Chinese citizens, including Taiwan patriots, to push for peaceful reunification as well as help maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and the whole Asia-Pacific region.

    It reflects the Chinese mainland's sincere intention to pursue peaceful reunification, and at the same time demonstrates that any attempts to separate Taiwan from China will never be allowed.

    In recent years, the activities of secessionists in the name of "Taiwan independence" have become the largest obstacle to developing the relationship across the Straits and for peaceful reunification, as well as the most serious threat to peace and stability.

    The draft is expected to be submitted to the third annual session of the 10th National People's Congress to be held early in 2005, for further deliberation.

(Source: China Daily 12/27/2004)