Xi-Ma meeting writes new chapter in cross-Straits history

By Chen Xiancai, Deputy Director, Taiwan Research Institute of Politics, Xiamen University

The Xi-Ma meeting held in Singapore has become one of the most significant events for cross-Straits relations with a far-reaching impact on East Asia. The meeting writes a new chapter that highlights a legacy of China's peaceful reunification.

The Taiwan Straits has been in a state of military confrontation and political opposition over a long period of time. The Chinese people on both sides were caught into the confrontation.

The mutual trust between the two sides had vanished. They suffered enormous material and moral losses.

Since 2008 when the Kuomintang (KMT) returned to power in the Taiwan island, on the political basis of the "1992 Consensus", the Chinese KMT and Communist Party of China (CPC) have conducted regular exchanges.

Cross-straits relations marched away from a volatile state during the 20 years when the island was governed by Lee Tenghui and Chen Shuibian.

Now, there's peaceful development. The Taiwan Straits has entered its best period since 1949. Mutual trust of the two sides has made considerable progress.

There were frequent interactions between the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and Association for Relations across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS).

They signed more than 20 major agreements, covering economic and trade cooperation, personnel exchanges, cultural exchanges, medical health, crime fighting, and other areas.

The institutions on both sides and their directors have set up regular communication mechanisms. The Xi-Ma Meeting appears to be an inevitable result of such actions.

The meeting is the first time in the 66 years for leaders on both sides to have a face-to-face discussion on cross-strait issues.

Since 1949, the two sides dealt with political and military confrontations, along with external interference. But now, the right time has finally come for such a meeting.

The top leaders discussed cross-Straits issues to promote peace and development that would have far-reaching historical significance. The high degree of mutual political trust has opened up a new chapter.

The meeting endorses the high-level of political consensus that adheres to the "1992 Consensus" and core issues, such as the one-China principle.

Due to cross-Straits differences in political systems and ideologies, especially in regards to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, the two sides struggled to trust each other.

Since 2008, the two sides have reached an agreement called the "1992 Consensus" that supports cooperation and exchanges.

Xi Jinping and Ma Ying-jeou had both emphasized the 1992 Consensus to boost the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. They have a high level of agreement.

It made the 1992 Consensus, One-China and other principles surpass the scope of bipartisan consensus, and become an official general consensus.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and "Green Camp" in the island of Taiwan have expressed their divided opinions on the "1992 Consensus" with some of them opposing it. Tsai Ing-wen and the DPP power will have to deal with these issues in the future.

The Xi-Ma Meeting also shows the history trend of cross-Straits relations development that strengthens the confidence of the Chinese people across the Taiwan Straits to realize a peaceful unification.

The political situation within the Taiwan island has gotten more complex, especially the kickback efforts of Taiwan independence forces to disrupt relations. The Xi-Ma Meeting charted the future for cross-Straits development. People across the Straits seek a national unity as well.

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