Wang Zhaoguo, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China, makes explanations on the draft Anti-Secession Law during the second plenum of the Third Session of the 10th NPC in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing March 8, 2005. (Xinhua Photo/Ma Zhancheng)

BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhuanet) -- The draft Anti-Secession Law provides for five measures China is to take to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and promote cross-Straits relations, said a senior Chinese lawmaker here Tuesday.

    "Maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and promoting common development and common prosperity is an aspiration shared by the compatriots on both sides of the Straits and serves their common interests," said Wang Zhaoguo, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, at a parliament session.

    In this connection, he said, the draft legislation provides forthe five measures as follows:

    -- to encourage and facilitate personnel exchanges across the Straits for greater mutual understanding and mutual trust;

    -- to encourage and facilitate economic exchanges and cooperation, realize 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;

    -- to encourage and facilitate cross-Straits exchanges in education, science and technology, culture, health and sports, andwork together to carry forward the "proud Chinese cultural traditions";

    -- to encourage and facilitate cross-Straits cooperation in combating crimes;

    -- to encourage and facilitate other activities conducive to peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and stronger cross-Straits relations.

     Enditem