Benefits of reunification envisioned

National confidence

Although the two sides of the Strait have been in a state of protracted political confrontation for decades, people on both sides share the same cultural heritage, ancestry and identity, according to the article.

After reunification, Taiwan residents will be able to participate more widely in international affairs and feel the confidence and pride that comes with the citizenship of a major country. With approval from the central government, foreign countries could set up consulates and other official or semi-official institutions in Taiwan, and international organizations would have offices in Taiwan. In addition, international agreements could be applied in Taiwan and international events held there.

Peace and security

"We have always stood together with our Taiwan compatriots to firmly oppose 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities and to help ease tensions across the Strait, working toward a transition from confrontation to dialogue and improvement," the article said.

Notably, cross-Strait relations enjoyed a stage of peaceful development between 2008 and 2016, as the two sides agreed on a common political foundation of upholding the one-China principle and opposing "Taiwan independence". Improved relations brought tangible benefits to the people on both sides, especially those in Taiwan, according to the article.

However, the DPP authorities, which have stubbornly pursued a secessionist agenda, have repeatedly made provocations with support from external forces, pushing Taiwan into a perilous situation. An increasing number of Taiwan compatriots have come to realize that "Taiwan independence" leads nowhere and that reunification is an unstoppable trend. They are calling for closer cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, better economic conditions and living standards, and lasting peace and stability across the Strait, the article noted.

After reunification, risks of war, caused by "Taiwan independence" secessionists, will be removed and external interference will be prevented, allowing for peace and stability in the region to be secured. People across the Strait will then live and work in a calm environment and share a prosperous future, it said.

Commitment to reunification

Another article in the series emphasized that resolving the Taiwan question and realizing China's complete reunification is an essential part of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

"Reunification is not a matter of choice, but an inevitability," it said.

Developments in cross-Strait relations over the 70-plus years, especially the wide-ranging policies and measures the mainland has issued to benefit Taiwan compatriots, have resonated with the aspirations of the majority of people in Taiwan, shaping mainstream public opinion that favors peace, development, exchanges and cooperation, it added.

In the process of achieving the complete reunification of the Chinese nation, "Taiwan independence" separatists remain a small countercurrent, it noted, adding that these separatists willingly serve as tools for the United States and other Western countries in their quest to contain China, thereby harming the common interests of people on both sides of the Strait.

"The key factor determining the direction of cross-Strait relations is the development and progress of the mainland," the article said.

As the mainland's development strengths keep translating into concrete capacity and momentum for national reunification, they are destined to further fuel cross-Strait exchanges and integration. This growing connectivity will deepen the shared interests and emotional bond between people across the Strait, strengthen a common sense of national and cultural identity, and ultimately guide cross-Strait relations toward the goal of reunification.

"Given the shifting cross-Strait balance of strength and global dynamics, the situation will only become increasingly favorable for the just cause of supporting reunification," a third article of the series said. "Both sides can sit down and negotiate a reasonable 'one country, two systems' solution for Taiwan."

The second article said: "Compatriots on both sides of the Strait are all Chinese and members of one family. There is no reason why we should not work together and achieve great things, nor any reason for Taiwan compatriots to be absent from the great journey of national rejuvenation."

When cross-Strait relations thrive, Taiwan will prosper, and after peaceful reunification, Taiwan's future will be even brighter, it said.

China Daily - Xinhua