There is a need for Taiwan to legislate a law in a bid to counter China's plan to enact an "anti-secession law," former president Lee Teng-hui (
"The relationship between China and Taiwan, as well as relevant policies in this regard, would definitely meet with an immediate impact in view of China's strong effort in pushing for the enactment of its anti-secession law," Lee said.
"It is therefore necessary and urgent to formulate a law that clearly defines the relations between China and Taiwan and the rights and obligations incurred in the two countries' interaction," said Lee at the Taiwan Solidarity Union's (TSU) policy conference yesterday, noting that the issue would be high on the party's agenda in the new legislature session, which will convene on Feb. 25.
The conference, attended by the party's rank-and-file officials and legislators, was part of the TSU's customary meeting prior to each legislative session to deliberate policies and set priorities on bills which the party aims to push.
Lee said that Taiwan, being an independent, sovereign nation, can never accept such unreasonable treatment from China and that Taiwan must map out countermeasures ahead of time to let China, as well as the world, know of the determination of Taiwan's 23 million people to pursue democracy and safeguard sovereignty.
"Whether there should be a `China Relations Act' or an `anti-annexation law' is something that requires us all to put our heads together and undertake cautious research before finalizing the matter," the former president said to his audience.
In his speech, Lee also expressed his expectation that the TSU would listen closely to people's voice, and must not become corrupted and proceed out of mere selfish, personal interests.
At the event, Lee signed a petition which would allow the public to take part in voicing opposition to China's anti-secession law. The TSU is also slated to stage a large-scale parade in Kaohsiung early next month for the same purpose.
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