Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers yesterday proposed to promulgate an "anti-annexation law" in a bid to counter China's intended "anti-secession" legislation.
According to the draft bill, any move that could disturb Taiwan's status quo has to be decided by Taiwan's 23 million people through a vote, DPP Legislator Trong Tsai (蔡同榮) said, and the spirit of anti-annexation must be enshrined in the long-discussed new constitution that President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) has promoted.
"Legislation is not a good way to counter China. But since China is making a move, Taiwan is forced to respond. Before a more efficient way is found, Taiwan should make the whole world understand Taiwan's viewpoint on China's intended annexation through making a law," DPP Legislator Lee Ming-hsien (
Tsai also proposed to work with US congressmen to revise the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA).
"The revised TRA should stipulate that the US will explore all means to help defend Taiwan's sovereign and territorial integrity if Taiwan's status quo is endangered without a legal process of referendum by Taiwan's 23 million people," Tsai said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will launch an international publicity drive against China's plan to introduce an anti-secession law targeting Taiwan, ministry spokes-person Michel Lu (呂慶龍) said yesterday.
Lu said the ministry will call the international community's attention to Beijing's move, which he said will severely upset peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Lu said the law that Beijing proposed is obviously aimed at building a legal basis for China's plans to invade Taiwan, and he urged the international community to step in to stop the plot against the nation.
BAIL APPEALS: The former vice premier was ordered to be held incommunicado despite twice being granted bail and paying a total of NT$12 million in bond The Taoyuan District Court yesterday ordered the detention of former vice premier Cheng Wen-tsan (鄭文燦), who is being investigated for alleged corruption while serving as Taoyuan mayor from December 2014 to December 2022, and that he be held incommunicado. The court made the ruling during a bail hearing after prosecutors appealed its bail ruling twice. Cheng on Saturday was released after posting bail of NT$5 million (US$153,818). However, after prosecutors lodged an appeal, the High Court on Monday revoked the original ruling and ordered the Taoyuan District Court to hold another bail hearing. On Tuesday, the district court granted bail to Cheng a second
The Thai government on Friday announced that Taiwanese would be allowed to stay in the country for up to 60 days per entry, under the Southeast Asian country’s visa-free program starting from today. Taiwan is among 93 countries included in the Thai visa-waiver program, which has been expanded from 57 countries, with the visa-exempt entry extended from 30 to 60 days. After taking office last year, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has vowed to grant more visa waivers to foreign travelers as part of efforts to stimulate tourism. The expanded visa-waiver program was on Friday signed by Thai Minister of the Interior Anutin
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