Push for 'peaceful reunification' but Taiwan unmoved

China pledges "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan while taking resolute steps against the island's independence, outgoing Premier Li Keqiang said at the opening session of the National People's Congress in Beijing yesterday.

But Taipei quickly hit back at Beijing and called for respect for Taiwanese people's commitment to democracy and freedom.

This comes as China announced to increase its defense budget to 1.55 trillion yuan (HK$1.76 trillion), a 7.2 percent year-on-year rise.

Li said Beijing stands by the "one China" principle, which states that Taiwan is part of China.

The government should implement the Chinese Communist Party's policy to "resolve the Taiwan question" and "take resolute steps to oppose Taiwan independence and promote reunification," Li told some 3,000 NPC delegates.

"We should promote the development of cross-strait relations and advance the process of China's peaceful reunification," he added.

On defense, Li said the armed forces should boost combat preparedness.

Taiwan's China-policy making Mainland Affairs Council responded to what it called Li's "reaffirmation" of China's Taiwan policy by saying Beijing should accept that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are "not subordinate to each other."

China should "respect Taiwan's commitment to the core concepts of holding fast to the sovereignty, democracy and freedom of the Republic of China," the council added.

On Hong Kong and Macau affairs, Li stressed the need to uphold one country, two systems as well as the SARs' high level of autonomy. He highlighted the safeguarding of the constitution and Basic Law.

"The principles should be firmly implemented to support economic development in the two SARs, improve livelihood and ensure long-term prosperity," he said.

Li added that the SARs have exercised full autonomy according to the constitution and Basic Law over the last five years.

"The launch of the national security law has driven Hong Kong from chaos to order, and from order to prosperity," he said.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, who attended the opening session, said he was "most encouraged" by Beijing's recognition and support for his administration.

Lee said his government will "fully, faithfully and resolutely" implement the principle of one country, two systems.

Lee also pledged to explore opportunities brought about by the 14th five-year plan, the Greater Bay development and the Belt and Road initiative "with a view to promote the SAR's active integration into national development and step up international competitiveness."

Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki said Li's report laid a direction for the city's development, giving the government and business sectors a boost in confidence.

jane.cheung@singtaonewscorp.com