Taiwan clears bill to allow promotion of independence

May 27, 2011, 11:56 GMT

Taipei - Taiwan's parliament Friday approved a measure that would allow local groups to support independence, as well as communism, in a further move to promote pluralistic democracy.

'The revision to the public assembly law was cleared in the final reading, following two review sessions earlier this month,' said opposition Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker Kao Chih-peng, who sponsored the amendment.

He said with the revision - which was in line with constitutional protection of freedom of speech - people could enjoy greater freedom in advocacy.

Taiwan has long banned activities that promote formal independence or communism on the island.

The act has been in force 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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