The Macao Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China was founded Wednesday with hundreds of Chinese compatriots voicing firm supports for China's reunification cause at the inauguration ceremony.

In a congratulations speech delivered at the ceremony, Edmund Ho Hau Wah, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), said the establishment of the council in Macao has an important significance to the SAR.

"China's cause of peaceful reunification is a common wish of all Chinese and a long-term objective which calls for their concerted efforts," said Ho.

He recalled that Macao's return to China five years ago was another important step forward after Hong Kong's example, marking the progress of China's reunification cause.

Since its founding, the Macao SAR government has practiced China's principle of "one country, two systems" in adherence to the Basic Law, which saw a continuity in the existing social system and life style as well as a booming economy. Macao's experience is a material proof for China's reunification, said Ho.

Chui Sai Cheong, director of the Macao Association for the Promotion of the Basic Law, was nominated as president of the council.

Chui said that the Macao Council would make its due effort for the Chinese reunification cause.

Officials from the Taiwan Affairs Office and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office under the State Council and the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification as well as advocates for China's peaceful reunification from Taiwan attended the ceremony and the discussion session.

The recent escalation of separatist activities in Taiwan could destroy peace across the Straits, warned vice-minister of the Taiwan Affairs Office Wang Zaixi.

Speaking at a seminar on Macao, Wang said separatist activities in Taiwan have become the biggest threat to stability across the Straits and security in the Asia Pacific region.

He stressed it is wrong for Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian to believe the Chinese people will tolerate Taiwan separatist activities.

He also pointed out China will crush all activities aimed at encouraging Taiwan independence. 

(Xinhua News Agency & CRI December 1, 2004)