Speaking at a symposium on resolving the Taiwan issue, entitled "One Country, Two Systems and the Unification of China Symposium," Tang said, "The principle of 'one country, two systems' has successfully resolved the issues of Hong Kong and Macao. Proven both correct and logical, the implementation of the principle will also play an important role in settling the Taiwan issue."

Tang criticized the leaders of the authorities in Taiwan for ignoring the one China principle and the popular aspiration for improving cross-Straits relations and trying to trigger unease and opposition amongst Taiwan's populace deliberately.

"They (the authorities in Taiwan) have denied the oral consensus of ARATS and the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) announced in 1992, which expressed, separately, that both sides should uphold the one China principle," he said.

"They are further denying their Chinese heritage and seeking to break relations between Taiwan and the mainland by altering history and culture, by changing people's ethical and national identities, by obliterating their national pride, and by destroying the foundation for peaceful reunification of Taiwan and China's mainland," the ARATS head said.

He warned that all people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits must be alert and take action to fight against such separatist attempt.

Tang reiterated that ARATS is willing to contact and communicate with all parties, organizations and leaders in different sectors who support the one China principle and the development of cross-Straits relations.

"We welcome members of the Democratic Progressive Party, excluding those persisting in Taiwan's independence, to visit the mainland, in appropriate capacities," he said.

Tang appealed again to the Taiwanese authorities for early recognition of the one China principle so as to resume talks between ARATS and SEF.

( May 24, 2002)