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HK to play role in promoting reunification: Tung
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-01-29 16:32
The vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political
Consultative Conference, Tung Chee Hwa, said recently the "eight-point proposal"
on developing cross-Straits relations addressed by then-president Jiang Zemin in
1995 is the inheritance, development and perfection of the principles of
peaceful reunification and "one country, two systems" initiated by Deng
Xiaoping.
The "four-point guidelines" set forth by President Hu Jintao last March on
the development of cross-Straits relations under new circumstances are the
continuation and development of the central government's policy toward Taiwan
and a programmatic document guiding the development of cross-Straits relations
in the future,Tung added.
On the occasion of the 11th anniversary of Jiang's speech entitled "Continue
to Promote the Reunification of the Motherland," Tung gave a joint interview to
journalists of three central media organizations stationed in Hong Kong -- the
Xinhua News Agency, People's Daily and CCTV. He talked freely about the historic
significance of Jiang's speech and the realistic importance of guidance of Hu's
address concerning the policy's continuity, consistency and innovativeness.
He said Jiang's "eight-point proposal" has made it clear that adhering to the
one-China principle is the base and premise of realizing peaceful reunification.
Under this condition, any problems can be talked.
He said the proposal has put forward the initial concept of peace negotiation
across the Straits, added a new meaning to cross-Straits economic and cultural
exchanges, and intensified the thought of placing hope on the Taiwan people. It
voices the popular will among all the Chinese people to achieve reunification as
early as possible. In the 11 years, the speech has accelerated the development
of cross-Straits relations and consolidated the consensus of all Chinese people
throughout the world, includingthe Taiwan people, on the country's
reunification.
On Hu's "four-point guidelines," Tung said it reflects the wisdom and thought
of the new generation of the central leadership on developing cross-Straits
relations and promoting peaceful reunification by judging the hour, sizing up
the situation and advancing along with the passage of time. It shows the
mainland's both steadfastness on principles and flexibility on specific aspects.
Tung said the "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces within the island are
obviously unpopular for the present time. More and more Taiwan compatriots
earnestly hope the cross-Straits relations could be developed in a peaceful,
steady way, and that cooperation and exchanges across the Straits could be
expanded.
Tung said the great concept of "one country, two systems,"which was
originally initiated by Deng Xiaoping to solve the Taiwan issue, has been
firstly implemented in Hong Kong and Macao. Its successful implementation in the
two places proves the concept is scientific and practical, and has been
acknowledged by the international community.
Hong Kong has been playing a key role in bridging cross-Straits relations,
Tung said. Taiwan is Hong Kong's fourth largest trading partner and fifth
largest export market. It is also the fourth major tourist destination for Hong
Kong residents. Over 300 Taiwan companies have set up regional headquarters or
representative offices in Hong Kong. More and more Taiwan enterprises choose
Hong Kong to go public and for financing. Visitor arrivals from Taiwanto the
Chinese mainland through Hong Kong or Macao have reached nearly 40 million since
1988.
"I believe, with the peaceful and steady development of the cross-Straits
relations, relations between Hong Kong and Taiwanwill surely be deepened. Hong
Kong will, undoubtedly, further playits unique role in promoting economic
integration across the Straits and make contribution to the country's peaceful
reunification," Tung said.
While looking back on the breakthrough in cross-Straits relations in 2005,
Tung said Hu's "four-point guidelines" on the development of cross-Straits
relations under new circumstances is of strategic significance and deep insight.
In the wake of the speech, Taiwan-based Kuomintang Party Chairman Lien Chan
visited the Chinese mainland at the invitation of Hu Jintao, general secretary
of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China(CPC). Their official
talks set a historic milestone and left anew chapter in cooperation between the
Kuomintang and the CPC,which has a significant impact on the development of the
cross-Straits relations.
After that, the central government adopted a series of policies in favor of
Taiwan compatriots, which have been widely welcomed and acclaimed by Taiwan
people, Tung said.
During the year, thecross-Straits relations, under the guidance of Hu's
"four-point guidelines," are advancing in the direction toward peace and
stability. The "Taiwan indTung said that both Jiang and Hu's speeches on the
Taiwan issue have placed the one-China principle atop, and that this proves the
principle, as the base and premise of developing cross-Straits relations and
achieving the country's peaceful reunification, is consistent and will never
change.
Tung concluded the interview by saying with emotion the Chinese mainland
people and the Taiwan people are bothers and sisters sharing ties of blood.
China is the common home for compatriots across the Straits. Peaceful
reunification is the common will of the people across the Straits as well as all
the Chinese people throughout the world. It will be conducive to peace and
development in Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, Asia and the world.
Tung quoted Hu as saying, "Whatever is beneficial to promotingthe country's
peaceful reunification, we will try our best to do it, and will do it well." It
clearly shows the central authorities' sincerity and determination to realize
peaceful reunification of the motherland, Tung said.
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