The annual session of China's parliament has opened in Beijing with an address by Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.
Mr. Wen told delegates Saturday an anti-secession law expected to be enacted at the 10-day session of the National People's Congress is aimed at a peaceful reunification with Taiwan.
Mr. Wen also said China's economy will aim for growth of eight percent this year -- down from the 9.5% mark achieved in 2004. In Taiwan, people of all political stripes are gearing up for mass protests against the proposed anti-secession law.
More than 50,000 people are expected to join a series of marches and demonstrations in Taipei and Kaohsiung on Sunday.
Taiwan is apparently considering a host of responses, depending on the final language of the law.