A senior leader of the Communist
Party of China (CPC) in Beijing extended an invitation on Thursday
to Lien Chan, chairman of Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) party, to visit
the mainland.
"As Chairman Lien has expressed his desire to
visit, we welcome and invite him to do so at any time he thinks
appropriate," said Jia Qinglin, member of the Standing Committee of
the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, during a meeting
with visiting KMT Vice Chairman Chiang Pin-kung.
"In order to improve and develop cross-Straits
relations, we would also like to invite the chairpersons of other
political parties in Taiwan that accept the 1992 Consensus, oppose
'Taiwan Independence' and advocate the growth of cross-Straits
relations," said Jia, also chairman of the National Committee of
the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
Chiang, who is heading the first KMT delegation to
the Chinese mainland in 56 years, has been greeted with red carpets
and massive media coverage. On Wednesday they visited the mausoleum
of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the revolutionary and founder of the KMT
party.
Jia said that, on the 80th anniversary of Sun's
death, such activities "are of great significance for upholding and
carrying forward the spirit of maintaining national unity and
combating secession, which was advocated by Dr. Sun himself."
The preliminary agreement reached by the delegation
and mainland officials on air flights, agricultural cooperation and
other issues will play a positive, significant role for developing
cross-Straits economic ties, he added.
Through concerted efforts by compatriots on both
sides, new positive factors have emerged that will help "contain
secessionist activities," Jia said, including evidence of some
relaxation in tensions.
"But the struggle against 'Taiwan Independence'
forces and their actions remains stark and complex," said Jia.
Over time, there are still two possible futures for
cross-Strait relations, Jia acknowledged. One is that “Taiwan
independence” forces will continue to push for independence to the
point of confrontation. This would lead to "sustained tension and
volatility" or even bring cross-Straits relations again to "the
brink of danger." The other is that separatist activities will be
checked effectively and the relationship developed in a peaceful
and stable manner.
"It is obvious that the first goes against the
interests and will of compatriots across the Straits and is a
dead-end, and the second complies with the interests and
expectations of both sides, which is bright road ahead," Jia said,
underscoring that "we should resolutely deter the first option and
work on the second."
Jia said the mainland has been expecting and
working for the resumption of cross-Straits dialogue and
negotiations on the basis of the one-China principle. He noted that
despite differences since 1949, both the mainland and Taiwan have
always been parts of a single nation.
"This is the status quo of cross-Straits ties,
which is not only recognized by us, but is also evident in existing
stipulations and documents in Taiwan," stated Jia.
Jia recalled the 1992 Consensus resulting from both
sides' recognition of the one-China principle by setting aside
political differences in support of one China."
"Thus cross-Straits dialogue should be resumed on
the basis of the one-China principle," he said.
Jia said that negotiations would work to advance
economic ties, build understanding and confidence and promote
common interests.
"Whatever it takes to protect the interests of Taiwan
compatriots, advance cross-Straits ties, maintain peace and promote
peaceful reunification of the motherland, we will do our utmost,
and we are sure to do it well," Jia said.
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(Xinhua News Agency March 31, 2005)
