DPP cannot cut bonds of blood and culture: China Daily editorial

The wheels of history are rolling toward the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and neither the pro-independence forces in Taiwan nor external interference can hold back the historical trend of national reunification.

The obstacle delaying the realization of that inevitability is the actions of the Democratic Progressive Party authorities on the island, who refuse to accept that "Taiwan independence" is nothing but a figment of their imaginings, as the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are united by bloodlines, the same cultural roots and their common history.

This has been highlighted once again in recent days by the visit to the Chinese mainland by a delegation of youths from the island led by former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party Ma Ying-jeou, which wrapped up an 11-day trip on Thursday.

This is the second time Ma has led a delegation of Taiwan youths on a visit to the mainland, highlighting that the driving force for improved cross-Strait relations lies in the youth of both sides, who shoulder the responsibility to be friendly and work together for the good of the Chinese nation.

The visiting delegation had a busy itinerary. Before arriving in Beijing, they visited Guangdong and Shaanxi provinces, paying tribute to the Yellow Emperor at his mausoleum and visiting other historic sites, as well as forging ties with mainland universities.

Such exchanges that continue the interactions between the two sides in education, business and culture are instrumental to strengthening cross-Strait bonds as they are a reminder that both sides of the Strait belong to one Chinese nation.

Ma's personal efforts in this regard are noteworthy and he should be praised for promoting cross-Strait exchanges, especially those between the youth on both sides of the Strait.

At a time when cross-Strait ties are strained, and sometimes turbulent, thanks to the current Taiwan authorities' pro-independence stance and deeds, endeavors such as Ma's are worth cherishing as they contribute to further consolidating awareness of there being but one China, and thus, form a strong foundation for opposing "Taiwan independence".

The separatist forces on the island should realize they are pursuing a lost cause, as no matter which external forces they are willing to sell their souls to fabricate a cross-Strait division, their reckless pursuit of separating Taiwan from the motherland runs counter to the natural law that blood is thicker than water.

Worse, by constantly stoking tensions in the Taiwan Strait, they have provided a ready excuse for outside forces to meddle in China's internal affairs. This was highlighted again on Thursday by the Foreign Ministry issuing a notice that Beijing was taking countermeasures against US companies that have been selling arms to the DPP.

Such external interference in China's internal affairs cannot change the objective fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to the same nation.

To give greater impetus to the historical trend of national reunification more needs to be done to promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. In this regard, the youth on both sides of the Strait should play a bigger role.