Xi Jinping (1st R) meets with Ma Ying-jeou (1st L) at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, Nov. 7, 2015. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)
Xi Jinping, Chinese president and general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, called Saturday for adhering to one-China principle in a four-point proposal made during his historic meeting with Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou. [Special coverage]
ONE-CHINA PRINCIPLE
At the closed-door meeting held in Singapore, Xi stressed that the two sides should stick to common political ground.
The key to peaceful development of cross-Strait relations in the last seven years lies in agreement of common political ground, sticking to the 1992 Consensus and opposing Taiwan independence, he said.
Without common ground, he said, "the boat of peaceful development will encounter terrifying waves or even capsize."
Approved by both sides, the 1992 Consensus enjoys widespread public support. It reflects the one-China principle and clearly defines the fundamentals of the cross-Strait relations, he said.
The mainland and Taiwan belong to one China. The cross-Strait relations are neither ones between countries nor "one China, one Taiwan." Although the two sides have not reunified until now, the integrity of China's sovereignty and territory has never been split, he said.
"Both sides belong to one country... That fact and legal basis has never changed, and will never change," Xi said.
"I hope parties and organizations in Taiwan accept the 1992 Consensus," Xi said. "No matter which party or organization, and no matter what they stood for in the past, as long as the 1992 Consensus and its core values are acknowledged, we stand ready to have contact."
Any actions separating the country will never be allowed by the people across the Strait, he added.
CONSOLIDATING AND DEEPENING CROSS-STRAIT TIES
The two sides should peacefully consolidate and deepen development of cross-Strait relations. Historic changes have taken place in those relations in the last 30 years. Relations took a peaceful turn in 2008 and now stand at the best place since 1949, Xi said.
Peace but not conflict, exchange not isolation, consultation and cooperation instead of zero-sum confrontation, are the common aspiration of people on both sides of the Strait.
He asked both sides to strengthen exchange and dialogue, enhance mutual political trust and solve long-existing problems through consultation and discussion. Conflict and divergence should be managed, Xi said.
Cross-Strait hotlines could help timely communications, avoid misjudgment and deal with emergencies, Xi said. He proposed hotlines first between officials in charge of departments on cross-Strait issues.
The two sides should respect each other's choices and social systems, without allowing divergences to disturb cooperation.
We acknowledge Taiwan compatriots' thoughts and feelings about participation in international activities, attach great importance to it and have tried to solve many problems in this regard, he said.
Pragmatic consultation was entirely permissible, as long as it does not result in "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan," Xi said.
He stressed that forces of Taiwan independence and their separatist activities are posing the greatest threat to cross-Strait relations.
Taiwan independence forces instigate hostility and confrontation between countrymen, harm integrity of sovereignty and territory, sabotage peace and stability across the Strait and obstruct relations, he said, noting that "unchecked, they will only bring calamity."
BOOSTING WELL-BEING FOR PEOPLE
Xi said advancing peaceful cross-Strait relations should focus on emotional ties and the well-being of the people.
"We are willing to share the mainland's development opportunities with the people of Taiwan," said Xi, noting that the two sides could improve macro-policy coordination and expand the space for economic cooperation, in the common interests of both sides.
Agreements on freight trade and other matters could come quickly, Xi added.
"Taiwan's people are welcome to join the Belt and Road Initiative, and Taiwan is welcome to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in an appropriate manner," Xi said.
Xi also called for better cultural and educational exchanges and cooperation to carry forward the Chinese cultures and traditions, enhance spiritual links and foster talent.
Xi welcomes more Taiwan people to visit the mainland, and asked for a better environment for young people to interact at a personal level.
SHARED DESTINY
Calling the two sides an "inalienable entity of shared destiny," Xi called for realizing the great revival of the Chinese nation together. ' The Chinese nation suffered foreign aggression in modern times. Taiwan was ceded to Japan 120 years ago, a great agony for the whole nation. In 1945, upon the surrender of Japan at the end of World War II, China recovered territory occupied by Japan, including Taiwan.
History shows that "it will be a blessing for compatriots from both sides if the nation is strong and prosperous, while it means disaster if the nation is weak and chaotic," Xi said.
"The great revival of the Chinese nation is closely related to the future and destiny of those across the Strait," Xi noted.
"We have never been so close and capable of realizing the great dream," he said, adding that he believes Taiwan will not be absent from the great cause.
The year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Xi called on the two sides to encourage scholars across the Strait to share historical documents, jointly compile history works, carry forward the spirit of opposing Japanese aggression, and preserve national dignity together.
The two sides should bear history in mind, honor those who laid down their lives, cherish peace and be united in peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, Xi added.
