China's National People's Congress

March 5-15, 2002

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Beijing's Threat to Use Force Unchanged, Says China's Zhu
(AFP, March 16, 2002) Beijing has not changed its policy on Taiwan despite a recent speech characterized by many observers as surprisingly mild, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji said. He also stressed that a pledge to use force to reunite the island with China still stood.

NPC Annual Session Closes
(People’s Daily, March 15, 2002) The National People's Congress closed its annual session in Beijing Friday, after approving Premier Zhu Rongji's government work report and other important documents.

China's Army to Prepare for 'Military Struggle'
(CNN.com, March 13, 2002) Chinese President Jiang Zemin has asked the armed forces to make "solid preparation for military struggle" in order to attain national reunification. Jiang said: "to solve the issue of Taiwan and realize complete reunification of the motherland is one of the three major tasks for the Party and the nation in the new century."

Sino-US Co-operation Vital to World Peace: Tang Jiaxuan
(China Daily, March 7, 2002) Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said Wednesday that China and the United States are committed to developing a "constructive and co-operative relationship,'' which is essential to global peace, stability and security. "I want to emphasize that the Taiwan question remains the most sensitive and most important core issue in Sino-US relations.''

Nothing New in Zhu's Remarks on Taiwan
(Taipei Times, Mar. 6, 2002) Zhu repeated China's precondition for the resumption of cross-strait talks, namely, that Taiwan should accept the "one China" principle. Zhu's speech was the the first time the Chinese premier mentioned the so-called "one China, three phases" rhetoric in remarks before the Chinese parliament.

China Plays Down Army Budget Increase
(CNN.com, Mar 6, 2002) China's generals have indicated that the army's big budget boost is modest and will not constitute a threat to foreign countries. However, they have stressed the determination of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to smash any "separatist plots," a reference to the pro-independence movement in Taiwan.

China Raises Defense Budget Again
(Washington Post, March 5, 2002) The increase reflects Beijing's ambition to build a powerful military to complement its robust economy and underpin its strategic position in Asia. But the 2.5-million-member People's Liberation Army is struggling with its modernization program, handicapped by low pay, poor morale and difficulty absorbing new weapons.

China Said Set to Announce More Military Spending
(Reuters, Mar. 4, 2002) China will announce another double-digit rise in its military budget this year as it seeks to streamline the world's largest standing army into a lean, high-technology force.

Beijing Boosts Military Prowess By Willy Wo-Lap Lam
(CNN.com, March 12, 2002) A newly set-up military research unit says much about Beijing's determination to pursue defense modernization -- and the armed forces' growing clout. President Jiang Zemin had earlier this year approved the establishment of an inter-departmental organ to coordinate military research and development.

New Breed of Leader Emerging in China By Willy Wo-lap Lam
(CNN.com, Mar. 5, 2002) While all eyes are on forthcoming leadership changes in Beijing, an equally significant reshuffle is taking place in the provinces and major cities. In the past year, half of China's 31 provinces and centrally administered cities have witnessed a changing of the guard.

China's Jiang Battles to Ensure His Legacy Survives By Brian Rhoads
(Reuters, Mar. 5, 2002) Once viewed as a mere transitional figure, Jiang is pushing for a place in China's ideological pantheon along with Deng and Chairman Mao Zedong with a controversial drive to allow entrepreneurs into the party.

China's Congress Sets Stage for Leadership Handover
(Reuters, Mar. 4, 2002) When the curtain rises on mainland China's annual setpiece of political theater this week, the real drama will be unfolding behind the scenes as top leaders jockey for position ahead of a leadership change late this year.

China's National People's Congress
(CNN, Mar. 2002) The NPC is considered the highest organ of state power in China. Its main functions and powers include formulation of laws, election of politicians, and supervision of government policy and its implementation.