Asia-Pacific News
Taiwan to allow promotion of island's independence
May 16, 2011, 11:52 GMT
Taipei - Taiwan's parliament Monday tentatively approved a measure that would allow local groups to support the island's independence, as well as communism, in a further move to promote pluralistic democracy.
The revision to the public assembly law, which needs final review by parliament, was in line with constitutional protection of freedom of speech, said opposition Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker Kao Chih-peng, who sponsored the amendment.
Taiwan has long banned activities that promote formal independence or communism on the island.
The act was imposed since the Nationalist government set up an interim administration in Taiwan following its defeat by the Chinese Communists at the end of a civil war in 1949.
China, which still regards Taiwan as its province, has warned that it would send troops to attack the island should it declare formal independence.
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