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Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Answer

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Chinese authorities on its new law with regard to possible conflict with Taiwan. [222957] Mr. Rammell: As I said in my reply to the hon. Member for Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale (Mr. Moore) on 16 March 2005, Official Report, column 338W, Ministers have taken a close interest in the development of China's Anti-Secession legislation. We have discussed it on a number of occasions at Ministerial and official level with the Chinese, in meetings both before and after its enactment. Although the legislation refers to China's desire to resolve the issue peacefully, we are concerned that it makes reference to the possibility of the use of "non- peaceful means". Our view is still that the Taiwan question should be settled peacefully through negotiation between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. We remain strongly opposed to the use of force, as we have consistently made clear to all, including the Chinese. In addition, the EU issued a Statement on 14 March recording its opposition to the use of force to resolve this issue. We continue to appeal to both sides to avoid unilateral measures which might heighten tensions. Instead, we encourage both sides to continue the progress of recent months through the implementation of practical measures.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

432 c590W; 222957

Session

2004-05

Subjects

China International relations Foreign relations Sovereignty Taiwan

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk