Senior Chinese leader Jia Qinglin said in Shanghai Thursday the fight against "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces and activities remain severe and complicated.

"Containing 'Taiwan independence' secessionist activities remains the primary task of compatriots on both sides across the Taiwan Straits at present," said Jia, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, at the first forum of elites from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.

But Jia, who is also Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, noted that positive elements in cross-Strait relations that are conducive to containing "Taiwan independence" activities have grown thanks to joint efforts of compatriots on both sides.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the forum, Jia said extreme "Taiwan independence" forces are still intensifying efforts to promote "rectification of Taiwan's name", "making a constitution through referendum" and "building an independent state". The Taiwan authorities, which haven't given up their "Taiwan independence" stance, are still deliberately instigating confrontation with the mainland and obstructing the development of cross-Strait relations.

Jia said the risk that "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces seek to create a legal basis for "Taiwan independence" through amending the constitution still exists.

Jia called for people on both sides to join hands to promote peaceful and steady development of cross-Strait relations and create a beautiful future for the Chinese nation.

(Xinhua News Agency September 16, 2005)