Organizations reject US bill on Taiwan

Many overseas organizations for the promotion of China's peaceful reunification expressed firm opposition and strong condemnation to the passing of a bill by the United States House of Representatives, which aims to improve Taiwan's relations.

The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair, allowing no interference by any force, the Australian Alliance for Peaceful Chinese Reunification said in a statement.

"The bill seriously violates international law and basic norms and ignores facts. It is full of prejudice. We will never accept it," it said.

Other organizations for the promotion of the peaceful reunification of China in countries including New Zealand, Spain, France, Brazil, Italy and Sudan also issued statements opposing the bill.

Under the TAIPEI Act of 2019, the US government can consider increasing or decreasing economic, security or diplomatic engagement with other nations as a result of any action taken by such nations to strengthen or undermine its ties with Taiwan.

After being passed in the US House of Representatives on Wednesday, the bill needs Senate approval before it is presented to the US president to be signed into law.

Chen Xiancai, a Taiwan studies scholar at Xiamen University, said the bill would influence the healthy development of the China-US relations.

"The real effect of the bill to improve Taiwan's international relations is doubtful," Chen said, adding that during the administration of US President Donald Trump many bills related to Taiwan have been passed, but most of them have never been fully implemented due to the US political system.

The main goal of the US is to make use of anti-China forces and Taiwan secessionists to confront China and test China's bottom line in the Taiwan question, he said.

"The US is playing tricks in a dangerous position, but it has not completely crossed the 'red line'. However, the effect of its 'Taiwan card' is becoming weaker thanks to the rise of the Chinese mainland," he added.

Chen said that although it lacks any practical effect, the bill may send a wrong signal to the "Taiwan independence" forces, who may undertake risky actions, leading to a dangerous cross-Straits situation.

But the mainland has the strength and wherewithal to deal with the situation, he added.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office expressed resolute opposition to the bill on Thursday.