On 15 March, Ambassador Fu Ying delivered a speech to cross-party Members of Parliament in the Australian Parliament House with emphasis on promoting the understanding of China's enacting of the Anti-Secession Law.

 

   After comprehensively briefing the audience in relation to the relevant background and content of the Anti-Secession Law, Madam Fu pointed out that the provisions in this law have given full expression to our consistent position and proposition of utmost efforts with maximum sincerity for the prospect of peaceful reunification.  At the same time, they have demonstrated the common will of the entire Chinese people that they shall safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and that in no circumstances would they tolerate the secession activities of "Taiwan Independence" forces to make Taiwan secede from China in any name or by any means.

 

   Fu Ying said, she hoped that Australian MPs and public would be able to comprehensively and accurately understand the purpose and the content of this law and not simply focus on the sole question of "Non-peaceful settlement".  It is by no means a law on use of force against Taiwan, still less a mobilization order.  It is actually a law aimed at maintaining the sovereignty of the nation and territorial integrity as well as a law in the fundamental interest of the entire Chinese nation. Fu Ying stressed that using non-peaceful means to stop secession by the "Taiwan Independence" forces would be our last resort when all our efforts for a peaceful reunification should prove futile.   So long as there is a glimmer of hope for peaceful reunification, we will exert our utmost to realize it.  The enactment of Anti-Secession Law is solely targeted to oppose and check "Taiwan Independence" and by no means against our Taiwan compatriots.  President Hu Jintao has recently voiced four-point opinion in relation to the development of relations across the Taiwan Straits under new situation.  It has fully demonstrated the principle and flexibility of the Chinese Government in dealing with the Taiwan issue as well as our sincerity in a peaceful settlement.  His opinion is an incisive exposition on Chinese Government's policy towards Taiwan.

 

   Fu Ying indicated that the fundamental core of China's national interest is the reunification of the motherland and territorial integrity.  Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory.  The settlement of Taiwan question to realize the reunification of the motherland is the common aspiration of the entire Chinese people.  We will continue adhere to the basic policy of "peaceful reunification and one country, two systems" and implement the eight-point proposal on the development of cross-Strait relations.  We will continue to work vigorously for the resumption of dialogue and negotiation between the two sides on the basis of the one China principle in order to safeguard the peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits.

 

   Fu Ying said, Australian Government has adhered to its One China position in opposing Taiwan Independence.  This is also the common stand of both the governing party and the opposition. China has expressed its appreciation of such position as it is conducive to the safeguard of the stability in the Taiwan Straits as well as the peaceful settlement of Taiwan question.  China hopes that Australia will continue upholding One China principle and opposing the secessionist activities of the "Taiwan Independence" while showing its understanding and support to the Chinese Government and people in their vigorous efforts to maintain peace and stability to achieve peaceful national reunification.

 

   In the end, Fu Ying made clarification in relation to the report of US-Australia alliance appeared on the Australian newspaper on 8 March.  She pointed out, while Australia is an ally of the United States, Australia's relationship with China is not in conflict with its relationship with the US.  The development of Sino-Australia relationship will not affect the development of US-Australia relationship.  Officials of Chinese Government have never sought Australian's review in relation to the Australian and US Alliance Treaty.  However, China hopes that when it comes to dealing with the relationships between the allied nations, the relevant countries shall fully taken into account the security interests and concerns of other nations in the region.  They shall also fully bear in mind the fact that Taiwan question is the internal affairs of China and make more endeavors contributing to the peace and stability of the entire region.

 

   In relation to bilateral relationship between China and Australia, Fu Ying pointed out that there is going to be a serial of exchange visits between the officials of senior ranks of both nations.  The governments in both countries are closely working together to achieve a virtuous circle in the Sino-Australia relationship.  Both Australia and China are influential nations in the region and there has been continuous enhancement in the status of each nation in other's foreign strategies.  The closeness in the relationship between our two nations is of significant importance to the peace and development of the Asia Pacific region.  Fu Ying was in the view that both China and Australia should perfect the trading mechanisms between the two nations to ensure the healthy long-term development of mutual cooperation particularly in the fields of mineral resources and energy.  In the meantime, strategically both nations should endeavor to increase mutual understanding and trust.

 

   The Members of Parliament felt  Fu Ying's speech was of great help to facilitate their understanding of China's position in Taiwan question.  They also held  discussion with Fu Ying in relation to questions such as Anti-Secession Law, bilateral cooperation between China and Australia, North Korea nuclear issue as well as Tibet issue.