Beijing, September 26 (Zhao Bo and Xu Xueyi, Xinhua)—Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Committee, met with a joint delegation of Taiwan’s peaceful “reunification”¹ groups at the Great Hall of the People on the morning of September 26. Xi Jinping first highly commended the members of the delegation for their contribution in promoting the development of cross-Strait relations and the process of peaceful “reunification” of the country. He pointed out that the current cross-Strait relationship, although facing some new situations and issues, is still following the path of peaceful development. Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait must have firm confidence and work together, continue to push cross-Strait relations down the established path, and create a bright future for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Xi Jinping pointed out that national “reunification” is an essential step towards national rejuvenation. The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has been the greatest dream of the Chinese people since modern times. The Chinese people have suffered much in their quest for national rejuvenation and prosperity. It is a historical law that “unity is strength, division is chaos.” The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is closely linked to the future and destiny of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The future of Taiwan rests on national “reunification,” and the well-being of our compatriots in Taiwan is inseparable from the strength of the Chinese nation. At present, we are closer to the goal of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation than at any other time in history, and we are more confident and capable of achieving this goal. For Taiwan, this is a blessing and a historical opportunity. We hope that our compatriots in Taiwan will join us in the process of promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the peaceful “reunification” of the country, seize opportunities, support each other, work closely together to create a peaceful and happy life, and share in the global dignity and glory of the Chinese nation.

Xi Jinping expressed that on major issues related to national “reunification” and the long-term development of the Chinese nation, we have taken a firm stance and a clear position and there will be no compromise or wavering. Since 1949, although the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have not yet been “reunified,” the fact that the mainland and Taiwan belong to the same China has never changed and will never change. The “reunification” of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait is about the end of political confrontation, not the creation of new territories or sovereignty. Peaceful “reunification” and “one country, two systems” is our fundamental approach to resolving the Taiwan issue, and we believe that this is also the best way for the “reunification” of the country. We will strive for the prospect of peaceful “reunification” with the greatest sincerity and effort, because “reunification” by peaceful means is in the best interest of the Chinese nation as a whole, including our compatriots in Taiwan. “One country, two systems” will be implemented in Taiwan in a way that fully takes into account the realities of Taiwan, fully incorporates the views and suggestions of all sectors on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and is fully in line with the interests of our compatriots in Taiwan.

Xi Jinping pointed out that the “reunification” of the country we seek is not simply the formality of unification. There must be a spiritual bond between the compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. We understand the mentality of our compatriots in Taiwan formed by their unique history and distinct social environment. We respect the social system and way of life chosen by our compatriots in Taiwan, and are willing to close our gaps with sincerity, goodwill, and affection. At the same time, Taiwan compatriots should also learn more about and understand the feelings and mentality of the 1.3 billion compatriots in the mainland and respect their choices and pursuits.

Xi Jinping expressed that the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations is the right path to peaceful “reunification.” The peaceful development of cross-Strait relations has been moving forward, never stopping because of ditches and hurdles. This is reflective of the common wish of our people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. We will unswervingly adhere to the correct path of peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, adhere to policies and initiatives for the benefit of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and strive to push cross-Strait relations towards new achievements.

Xi Jinping emphasized that the containment of “Taiwan independence” separatist activities is a necessary requirement to ensure the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. For a while before 2008, the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces used the ruling government to pursue a separatist course, undermining national sovereignty and territorial integrity, disrupting peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, provoking confrontation and tension across the Taiwan Strait, and bringing grave harm to people on both sides, especially compatriots in Taiwan. Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait still keep this memory fresh. They would like to maintain the new situation of peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. We must be vigilant that the separatist forces of “Taiwan independence” have not given up and are still doing their utmost to incite cross-Strait hostility and confrontation and obstruct cross-Strait communication and cooperation. They remain the most serious threat to the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

Xi Jinping emphasized that we will never tolerate any act of secession from the country. History has proven and will continue to prove that the path of “Taiwan independence” is a dead end. We would like to reiterate once again that we treat our compatriots in Taiwan equally, no matter who they are, no matter what they have advocated before. As long as they are willing to participate in promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations now, we welcome them all.

Members of Taiwan’s peaceful “reunification” groups said that both sides of the Taiwan Strait should see the peaceful “reunification” of the country from the strategic height of “revitalizing China” and “jointly realizing the Chinese Dream.” We must further deepen our affection, enhance our identity, oppose “Taiwan independence” and promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, especially to make more young people in Taiwan realize that the fate of Taiwan is tied to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, so that they will take up their responsibility for rejuvenating China without hesitation.

The meeting was also attended by Wang Huning and Li Zhanshu (members of the Political Bureau of the CCP Central Committee), and Yang Jiechi (State Councilor).