Anti-Secession Law continues to safeguard one-China principle

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the enforcement of China's Anti-Secession Law, which was enacted by the National People's Congress (NPC) in 2005 and hailed as a "powerful legal guarantee for peaceful national reunification" by lawmakers, government leaders and the general public.

Over the past two decades, the law has played a crucial role in creating a strong deterrent against separatist elements seeking "Taiwan independence," safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and maintaining peace across the Taiwan Straits.

During a symposium on Friday marking the 20th anniversary of the law's enforcement, China's top legislator Zhao Leji emphasized the need to strengthen confidence and determination in advancing national reunification.

"Resolving the Taiwan question and realizing China's complete reunification is a shared aspiration of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation and a natural requirement for realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," said Zhao, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.

Crucial role

On March 14, 2005, when the separatist movement led by Chen Shui-bian became increasingly rampant, the NPC enacted the Anti-Secession Law, aimed at preventing Taiwan's secession from the country. 

Based on the Constitution, the law clearly outlines provisions on major issues such as upholding the one-China principle, curbing "Taiwan independence" secession, maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, developing cross-Straits relations, and opposing external forces.

It fully demonstrates the country's determination to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and never allow any force to separate Taiwan from China under any name or in any form.

Both the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China, according to the law, which adds that China's sovereignty and territorial integrity brook no division. Safeguarding China's sovereignty and territorial integrity is the common obligation of all Chinese people, including Taiwan compatriots.

With the central government stepping up its efforts to build China into a country ruled by law and establish a law-based social governance system, the Anti-Secession Law has become an important part of the legal framework governing China's Taiwan policies, providing a legal basis for the central government to oppose and curb separatist movements in Taiwan and safeguard peaceful reunification.

At Friday's symposium, Zhao emphasized that over the past 20 years, the country has further enriched the legal framework for punishing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, resolutely fought against separatism, countered interference, and improved systems and policies that contribute to the well-being of Taiwan compatriots.

Responding to the latest separatist remarks from Taiwan's leader Lai Ching-te, a Chinese mainland spokesperson stated that no individual or force will be allowed to separate Taiwan from China and that there is no room for "Taiwan independence" separatist activities in any form.

"If the separatist forces dare to cross the red line, resolute actions will be taken in response," said Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office.

Progress in cross-Straits exchanges, cooperation

Zhao called for facilitating cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation to jointly foster the lasting prosperity of the Chinese nation and promoting Chinese culture to forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation.

In recent years, cross-Straits economic exchanges and cooperation have made steady progress, and economic integration and development have continued to deepen.

According to the General Administration of Customs, total trade between the mainland and Taiwan reached $292.97 billion last year, with mainland exports to Taiwan increasing by 9.8 percent and imports from Taiwan rising by 9.3 percent.

Investment activity also remained resilient. The Ministry of Commerce reported the establishment of 7,941 new Taiwan-funded enterprises on the mainland in 2024, reflecting a 1.6 percent year-on-year increase.

Fujian Province, located near Taiwan, played a pivotal role in the integrated development of cross-Straits economics. In 2024, trade between Fujian and Taiwan reached 94.42 billion yuan (about $13 billion), up 4.2 percent year on year.

Exchanges between young people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits have also enhanced ties and demonstrated the profound affection between people on both sides.

During a press conference, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, stated that the Chinese mainland will continue to support and promote exchanges between young people on both sides of the Straits.