Xi affirms one-China policy

Leaders of CPC, KMT emphasize opposition to forces supporting "Taiwan independence"

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Taiwan's Kuomintang party leader Hung Hsiu-chu in Beijing on Tuesday. WU ZHIYI / CHINA DAILY

Holding talks with a delegation led by Hung at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday, Xi said ensuring national integrity and protecting the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation is the "common will of all Chinese people".

Xi stressed the importance of the 1992 Consensus, essentially a commitment to the one-China policy, which official delegates from both sides of the Straits agreed upon in November 1992.

Xi made a six-point proposal on cross-Straits relations, including adhering to the 1992 Consensus, resolutely opposing forces supporting "Taiwan independence", promoting social and economic cooperation between the two sides and working together to carry forward Chinese culture.

"Two parties' contributions to the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations has been written in history," Xi added. "The two sides across the Straits have become an integral whole with a common destiny."

It is Hung's first trip to the mainland since she became head of the KMT on March 30. It also marks the first visit by a KMT leader since the party lost Taiwan leadership and a legislative majority to the Democratic Progressive Party in the January elections.

During her meeting with Xi, Hung said that CPC and KMT should expand exchanges between the two sides, including economic cooperation and interactions among young people.

She also stressed her stance on opposing "Taiwan independence" during her meeting with top political adviser Yu Zhengsheng on Tuesday.

Hung arrived in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu province, on Sunday to start a five-day visit, making her first stop the Mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the KMT.

On Wednesday, she will attend a forum on peaceful development of cross-Straits ties.

The meeting between Xi and Hung is the most significant event since the DPP took Taiwan's leadership in May, said Ni Yongjie, deputy director of the Shanghai Institute of Taiwan Studies.

"Cross-Straits relations have entered a cold period since the DPP takeover. The interaction between KMT and Communist Party of China, however, helps to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits," said Ni.

In addition of talks with high-level leaders of the CPC, Hung's visit also has led to exchanges among people from both sides, according to Ni.

"Her visit to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and a technology hub in Beijing has drawn the public's attention and reminded people of the positive side of cross-Straits relations. Despite the difficult political situation, the exchange and mutual trust among people from two sides still exists," he said.

Highlights

Xi Jinping's six-point proposal on cross-Straits relations:

- Adhering to the 1992 Consensus, which affirms the one-China principle;

- Resolutely opposing forces supporting "Taiwan independence" and their activities;

- Promoting the integrated social and economic development of cross-Straits societies;

- Working together to carry forward Chinese culture;

- Boosting the well-being of people across the Taiwan Straits;

- Dedication to realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in concerted efforts.