Chinese PM Opposes Taiwan Independence, Comments on National Defence Building

Text of report by official Chinese news agency Xinhua (New China News Agency)

[Unattributed report: "Wen Jiabao Says Important Progress Has Been Made in Improving Democracy and the Legal System, National Defence and Army Building, Work Related to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs, and Diplomatic Work Over the Past Five Years"]

Beijing, 5 Mar (Xinhua) – Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council delivered a government work report at the first session of the 11th National People’s Congress on 5 March. He said that over the past five years, we have made important progress in improving democracy and the legal system, national defence and army building, work related to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan affairs, and diplomatic work.

Wen Jiabao said: Over the past five years, we have steadily promoted the building of democracy and the legal system. The governments at all levels have consciously accepted the oversight of the people’s congresses and their standing committees at the corresponding levels. They have taken the initiative in accepting the democratic oversight of the People’s Political Consultative Conferences. They have conscientiously listened to the opinions of the democratic parties, federations of industry and commerce, persons without party affiliations, and mass organizations. They have sought the suggestions of experts, scholars, and people through various forms. They have accepted supervision by the news media and general public. They have carried out the system of public notices and hearings for major issues. They have strengthened self- governing local organizations in urban and rural areas and further improved the basic-level democratic management system. Over the past five years, the State Council has submitted 39 bills to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for deliberation. The State Council have formulated and amended 137 administrative laws and regulations. The State Council have explored and established the mechanism and system for the public to participate in government- sponsored legislation in an orderly manner. The government has widely solicited opinions from the public about 15 draft laws and administrative laws and regulations. It has comprehensively sorted out current administrative laws and regulations. It has implemented the “Law of the People’s Republic of China on Regional Ethnic Autonomy” and promoted the cause for unity and progress among ethnic groups. It has comprehensively carried out the policy for the freedom of religious belief. As a result, religious affairs have been managed in a more standardized and law-based manner. It has comprehensively carried out the policy on overseas Chinese affairs and protected in accordance with law the legal rights and interests of the overseas Chinese, returned overseas Chinese, and their relatives.

Wen Jiabao said: Over the past five years, we have comprehensively strengthened the modernization drive of the national defence. We have made active efforts to push forward the revolution in military affairs with Chinese characteristics. We have adjusted and reformed the structure, staffing, policies and institutions of the armed forces. We have successfully accomplished the tasks of reducing the armed forces by 200,000 troops. Historical achievements have been made in national defence and army building. The units of the People’s Liberation Army and the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force have made important contributions to the work of safeguarding the state’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity as well social harmony.

Wen Jiabao said: Overt the past five years, we have insisted on the principle of “one country, two systems.” We have carried out the arrangements for establishing closer economic and trade relations between the hinterland and Hong Kong and Macao. We have maintained prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao.

Wen Jiabao said: Over the five years, we have resolutely opposed and contained “Taiwan independence” activities, defended national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and safeguarded peace in the Taiwan Straits region. We have implemented a series of measures favourable to cross-straits visits as well as economic, scientific, technological, educational, cultural, and sports exchanges and promoted peaceful and stable development of the cross-straits ties.

Wen Jiabao said: Over the past five years, we have vigorously developed exchanges and cooperation with other countries. Major progress has been made in all-directional diplomacy. We have resolutely safeguarded and developed the state’s interests. China has strengthened dialogue with the major big countries. We have strengthened trust and expanded cooperation with other countries. We have further strengthened good-neighbourly relations and friendship with our neighbouring countries and have created a new situation of strengthening unity and cooperation with developing countries. We have successfully sponsored a series of major multilateral diplomatic activities, properly dealt with all kinds of new challenges in the international arena, and played an important and constructive role in resolving international and regional hot issues.

Originally published by Xinhua news agency domestic service, Beijing, in Chinese 0151 5 Mar 08.

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