Reunification with the mainland under the policy of "one country, two systems" is the best mode to guarantee the freedom and autonomy of Taiwan people, Macao scholars said in Macao on February 26.

Pai Wan Leung, a well-known Macao scholar and president of the Returned Chinese Association in Macao, made the remarks at a gathering marking the 50th anniversary of the "February 28 Uprising", which took place in Taiwan in 1947. (The uprising first started in Taipei and later spread all over Taiwan. Uprisers accused the Kuomintang Authorities of tyranny and dictatorship, demanding democracy and autonomy. The uprising was crushed in a few days.)

"Only after a national reunification under the principle of 'one country, two systems' can the Taiwan people enjoy true freedom and autonomy," said Leung in a written speech. "People across the Taiwan Straits should join hands for the great course of reunification of the motherland."

A dozen well-known scholars attended the gathering organized by the Macao Daily News. they urged the Taiwan authorities to stop its splitting acts and accept the policy of "one country, two systems' put forward by Deng Xiaoping for an earlier realization of reunification.

"The only feasible way to realize a peaceful reunification of China under current condition is to accept the policy of 'one country, two systems'" said Zhou Ligao, vice-president of the University of Macao. "It fully demonstrates the wishes of democratic politics and autonomy which was represented in the February 28 Uprising."

Another scholar, Chan Taipak, deputy editor-in-chief of the Tai Chung Pou Newspaper, refuted the idea that the "February 28 Uprising" was a demonstration of the tendency of independence, saying that is a "hundred percent lie".

He said that those who tried to go against the principle of "one China" and to split China are "traitor of Dr. Sun Yat-sen" and "sinner of the Chinese nation."

The scholars said that the best resort for Taiwan people in seeking true freedom and autonomy is to follow the tide of history and realize reunification under the principle of "one country, two systems", as will be successfully implemented in Hong Kong and Macao.

"With China's resumption of exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997 and Macao in 1999, people in Taiwan will see that the two places will remain prosperous and stable under the policy of 'one country, two systems,'" said Ng Si Meng, deputy secretary-general of the Macao Union of Neighborhood Associations.

He stressed that a strong and reunified China will be the best protection of the fundamental interests of Taiwan compatriots.

"Only a strong and reunified China can meet the demand of autonomy of the people in Taiwan," Ng said. "That was what the uprisers fought for 50 years ago."