‘Two sessions’ 2022: senior Beijing adviser proposes reunification law amid Taiwan tensions

While existing Anti-Secession Law is seen as playing important role curbing attempts at Taiwan independence, a new law is needed, says Zhang Lianqi

‘Conditions are becoming ripe to promote the reunification of the motherland by legal means, whether in a peaceful way or not,’ Zhang told Global Times

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A paramilitary police officer stands guard outside the Great Hall of the People before the second plenary session of the National People’s Congress in Beijing on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

Published: 7:03pm, 9 Mar 2022Updated: 10:07pm, 9 Mar 2022

A senior Chinese political adviser has proposed creating a law that could punish anyone for violating their responsibility to promote reunification.

The proposal came during Beijing’s annual parliamentary sessions as tensions in the Taiwan Strait remained elevated and amid speculation that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could embolden Beijing to attack Taiwan.

Zhang Lianqi, a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said that while the existing Anti-Secession Law played an important role in both curbing attempts at Taiwan independence and promoting the peaceful reunification of the motherland, a new law was needed.

“Facing greater risks and challenges, conditions are becoming ripe to promote the reunification of the motherland by legal means, whether in a peaceful way or not,” Zhang told China’s government-backed Global Times newspaper ahead of the submission of the proposal.

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The Anti-Secession Law was passed in 2005 and provides a legal framework for Beijing’s policy on Taiwan, which stipulates Beijing could take the island back by force if necessary.