The U.S. Department of State Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Nicholas Burns, officially expressed a strong opposition against China’s enactment of the “anti-separation law” (so-called “anti-secession law”) on April 14, 2005 (U.S. Eastern Standard Time). In response to China’s legislation, both the U.S. government and Congress have repeatedly expressed their serious concerns and oppositions. With regard to Under Secretary Burns’ remarks, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) again expresses its sincerest appreciation.
China has deliberately passed the “anti-separation law” despite receiving condemnation and opposition from the international community. This has shown China’s intention to unilaterally change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait through “non-peaceful measures.” The Taiwanese government believes that any cross-strait disputes should be resolved by peaceful measures. The Taiwanese government’s position on this matter is consistent with the position of the international community. The MAC indicated that the pursuit of cross-strait peace and stability has consistently been the main policy of the Taiwanese government. We are grateful to the U.S. and our friends in the international community for supporting our position on the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.