Firm action urged to stop separatism

Top legislator stresses curbing external interference, advancing reunification

China's top legislator Zhao Leji on Friday stressed resolutely combating "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, curbing interference by external forces and advancing the cause of national reunification.

Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, made the remarks at a symposium in Beijing marking the 20th anniversary of the enforcement of the Anti-Secession Law.

The Anti-Secession Law, adopted at the third session of the 10th NPC in 2005, stipulates that the State shall never allow "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces to make Taiwan secede from China under any name or by any means. It entitles the State to take non-peaceful measures to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity when all possible means of peaceful national reunification are exhausted.