Scientists Slam Lee Teng-hui's Splittist Remarks 　　Some 40 Chinese scientists from research institutions and universities and senior officials with science-related departments gathered in Beijing on July 28 to refute Lee Teng-hui's separatist remarks which preaches "state-to-state" relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits. 　　The participants stressed that the further promotion of relations across the Taiwan Straits and the push toward reunification are the hope of the Chinese nation and are also in the fundamental interests of Taiwan compatriots. 　　They urged scientists across the Straits to unite and oppose any splittist remarks. 　　Hui Yongzheng, vice-minister of Science and Technology, said Lee Teng-hui's "two-States" remarks are aimed at splitting Taiwan from China. He added that the reunification of the motherland is a historical process that cannot be hindered, and is the common aspiration of all people across the Straits. 　　He said that though the Taiwan authorities pose serious interference, cross-Straits scientific and technological exchanges are witnessing marked development. 　　Statistics indicate that by the end of last year, over 2,000 cross-Straits cooperation and exchange projects had been arranged, and over 8,000 scientists and technicians had paid visits to Taiwan. 　　Statistics also show that greater numbers of Taiwanese scientists and researchers have visited mainland areas over the past 10 years. 　　Hui said exchange and cooperation covered nearly all basic research fields, including applied sciences and high-tech enterprises. 　　Hui said he believes that Lee's separatist remarks will be firmly opposed by all scientist across the Straits. 　　A number of academicians with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and professors from Peking and Tsinghua universities lashed out at Lee Teng-hui's separatist remarks at the meeting. 　　Most of the participants at the meeting have visited Taiwan and were welcomed by their colleagues. They said Lee's remarks destroy the foundation for steady development of cross-Straits relations, damage the peaceful environment of the exchanges, and that the remarks will surely be disagreed with by Taiwan compatriots, including scientists. 　　They said they will make every possible effort to attain for achievements in their own work, and contribute to reunification. (Xinhua) TopNews 1999-07-29 Page4 Full Story in Chinese