Visiting Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Lien Chan gave a speech at Peking University on Friday morning prior to his meeting with Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, in the afternoon.

In his speech, Lien said that sticking to peace and securing a mutually beneficial future?are in line with historical trends and the shared wish of people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.
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He said this fact encouraged him to shoulder his responsibility in helping achieve these goals.

Lien said that the majority of people in Taiwan will not accept a policy of "desinification" aimed at severing ties with the mainland: "Parents hope their children can learn more about the cream of Chinese culture."

He described those who have criticized his visit as being stuck in the 1920s and 30s, and that the idea that he sought KMT-CPC cooperation to "contain Taiwan" was "a very grave distortion."

"Why cannot we pay more attention to the present and create a better future?" he asked.

Lien said he felt it a great honor to be embarking on his "journey of peace" to the mainland at a critical turning point in history.

He said that it is undoubtedly good for the mainland and Taiwan to join hands to ensure shared prosperity.

"One plus one makes more than two," Lien said, adding that "The common prosperity of Chinese on either side of the Straits is no longer an unattainable dream."

People should work together for peace and stability by actively maintaining the status quo, he said, quoting the adage "peace by pieces" to say that every Chinese should contribute his or her "piece" of effort.

"We should put the people first and give priority to the people's well-being," said Lien. "This is supported by all Chinese people, including the 23 million residents in Taiwan and the 1.3 billion on the mainland."

Lien added that he sees immense potential for cross-Straits agricultural cooperation, which is sure to benefit Taiwan farmers.

(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2005)