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Session ends with warning to Taipei

Advisory body adopts resolution to fight independence

A resolution 'to resolutely oppose and check Taiwan's independence forces and their activities' was adopted by the nation's top advisory body, which closed its annual session yesterday.

Without directly naming him, the resolution attacked Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian for undermining cross-strait relations by shutting down the National Unification Council - a body dedicated to Taiwan's eventual reunification with the mainland - and the application of its guidelines.

'Taiwanese authorities have accelerated steps towards Taiwan independence since the start of this year, in overt defiance of the strong opposition of compatriots on both sides of the strait,' the resolution by the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference said.

It said Mr Chen's decision to scrap the council and the National Unification Guidelines was a dangerous step towards independence. 'We shall unite all descendants of the Chinese nation who love the motherland to resolutely oppose and check 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces and their activities, and contribute to the development of cross-strait relations and the reunification of our motherland,' the resolution read to the advisory body said.

But it also stressed Beijing would continue to adhere to the principle of peaceful reunification and place its hopes on Taiwanese people to promote stable ties.

The resolution also included Hong Kong and Macau, reiterating that Beijing continued to support the two special administrative regions in exercising a high degree of autonomy and 'long-term prosperity, stability and development'.

It also mentioned the 11th Five-Year Programme (2006-2010), hailing it as a significant blueprint for the drive to build a 'relatively well-off society'.

'The goals, directions and major tasks outlined in the programme ... meet the common aspirations and fundamental interests of our people of different ethnic backgrounds,' it said. '[We must] work hard to turn this programme into reality.'

The resolution was passed with 2,047 votes in favour. Ten voted against and 16 abstained. Another 21 CPPCC representatives did not take part in the voting.

Comprising academics, intellectuals, private businessmen, religious leaders and retired officials, the CPPCC is officially powerless but is used by the nation's leaders to mobilise political support from all sectors of society under the party's 'united front' banner.

All top leaders - except Vice-Premier Huang Ju , who is reported to have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer - attended the closing ceremony.

The CPPCC meets alongside the National People's Congress, which is due to close its annual meeting today.

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