Scholars warn Taiwan against including 'independence' in referendum law

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, November 22, 2003

Scholars warn Taiwan against including 'independence' in referendum law

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Noted Chinese mainland scholars on Taiwan and legal affairs on Friday warned Taiwan of a strong reaction from the central government if Taiwan authorities pass a proposed "law on referendum" that contains words on possible "independence".

Yu Keli, president of the Institute of Taiwan Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said at a press conference organized by the Information Office of the State Council that "Taiwan independence" seekers led by Chen Shui-bian and Lee Teng-hui are attempting to include a referendum on "Taiwan independence" in the proposed law on referendum.

This would be an "important and key" step in the direction of de facto "Taiwan independence", he said.

Yu said he expects strong response from the Chinese central government if the attempt realizes, citing the government's white paper on the one-China principle and Taiwan issue, which said the mainland would have no other option but use of force if "Taiwan independence" elements declared independence.

Xu Bodong, president of the Institute of Taiwan Studies under the Beijing Union University, said a "law on referendum" containing words on "Taiwan independence", if passed, would deliver the catalyst of war into the hands of people seeking "Taiwan independence".

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