　　 BEIJING, March 11 (Xinhuanet) --Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, told a group of NPC deputies representing central China's Henan province that the national legislature would continue to improve itself and constantly expand democracy and the rule by law in Beijing, March 11, 2004.

　　 Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, meanwhile, told NPC deputies representing east China's Jiangsu province that governments at all levels must serve the people wholeheartedly and improve their style of work, and build clean and efficient governments.

　　 During his discussion with a group of deputies representing Taiwanese people residing on the mainland, Jia Qinglin, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, said the mainland respects the aspirations of Taiwanese compatriots for democracy.

　　 Jia said the mainland firmly opposes the use of "referendum" bythe Taiwan authorities to engage in separatist activities for independence.

　　 "We know only too well the value of peace and meanwhile we are shouldering the heavy duty of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity and in no way shall we allow anybody to separate Taiwan from China by any means," he stressed.

　　 Jia expressed the conviction that the great cause of reunification of the motherland is sure to be accomplished with the unremitting efforts by the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation.

　　 Also joining NPC panel discussions Thursday were vice-president Zeng Qinghong, Vice-Premier Huang Ju and the Party's chief discipline inspector Wu Guanzheng.