Compatriots living on the two banks of the Taiwan Strait are
brothers and sisters, who should treat one another on an equal
ground and show respect to one another, says a mainland official in
charge of cross-strait affairs in a People's Daily article
on Wednesday.
Sun Yafu, deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the
Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), calls for
more personnel, economic and cultural exchanges across the
strait.
He urges compatriots of the two sides to consolidate, shoulder
by should and hand in hand, to make joint efforts for realizing the
great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
In his article, Sincerely Working for the Welfare of the
Compatriots of the Two Sides and Peace across the Taiwan
Strait, the mainland official explains the guiding thinking and
general demands for the Party's work on the cross-strait issue set
by the recently-convened 17th CPC National Congress.
The mainland will adhere to the One-China Principle, firmly
grasp the theme of Peace and Development in cross-strait affairs,
sincerely working for the welfare of compatriots living on the two
sides of the Taiwan Strait and seeking peace across the strait, he
says.
The mainland will actively promote the great cause of
reunification of the nation, firmly oppose secessionist activities
by pro-independence elements, safeguard national sovereignty and
territorial integrity, and protect the fundamental interests of the
Chinese nation, he adds.
In the near future, the cross-strait situation will be affected
by a series of major events including the so-called "Referendum for
Joining the United Nations" and election of the new leader of
Taiwan, according to the official.
The results of these events, however, will not stop secessionist
forces in Taiwan continuing their activities, some contractions in
the cross-strait relations will stay, and some foreign forces will
continue trying to block or even interfere in the process of
China's reunification, he says.
The secessionist activities in Taiwan will certainly be defeated
and destroyed, the official says, adding "It is nothing but a
matter of time."
(Xinhua News Agency November 22, 2007)