Xi Jinping put forward four points on the unswerving path of peaceful development of cross-Strait relations: First, insist on grasping the overall situation of cross-Strait relations from the vantage point of the overall interests of the Chinese nation. Second, insist on grasping the future of cross-Strait relations in recognizing the historical trend. Third, insist on enhancing mutual trust, positive interaction, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and being pragmatic and enterprising. Fourth, insist on steadily advancing the overall development of cross-Strait relations. 

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CCP) Central Committee, met with Wu Poh-hsiung, Honorary Chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT), and all members of the visiting KMT delegation which he led at the Great Hall of the People on the afternoon of the June 13. 

Xi Jinping expressed that over the past five years, the two parties, along with compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, have worked together to open up the right path for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and to promote significant progress in cross-Strait relations. Under the new situation, the CCP Central Committee will continue to implement its established general policies and devote itself to consolidating and furthering the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations for the benefit of compatriots on both sides and of the Chinese nation. We hope that the two parties and the two sides across the Strait will continue to enhance mutual trust, maintain positive interaction, steadily promote the comprehensive development of cross-Strait relations, consolidate and deepen the foundations for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, unite compatriots on both sides, and work together towards the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. 

Xi Jinping emphasized that today, cross-Strait relations are at a new starting point and face significant opportunities. We must carefully draw lessons from our experience, recognize and actively respond to changes in the situation, unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, consolidate and deepen the political, economic, cultural, and social foundations for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and continue to make new achievements. Xi Jinping put forward four points in this regard. 

First, we must insist on grasping the overall situation of cross-Strait relations from the high vantage point of the overall interests of the Chinese nation. We insist on upholding the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation and the common interests of all Chinese people, including our compatriots in Taiwan. To grasp the overall situation of cross-Strait relations from the vantage point of the overall interests of the Chinese nation, it is of the most fundamental and core importance to uphold the territorial and sovereign integrity of the country. Although the mainland and Taiwan have not yet been “reunified,”¹ they belong to the same China and are an inseparable whole. The KMT and CCP ought to adhere to the one-China position and jointly uphold the one-China framework. We hope that both parties, being accountable to history and the people, will prioritize the overall interests of the Chinese nation, grasp the overall situation of the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and push cross-Strait relations forward in the right direction. 

Second, we must insist on charting the course of cross-Strait relations in recognition of the trend of historical development. Through the unremitting struggle of the Chinese people, the future of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation shows an unprecedented bright future. We should look far ahead, see the trend of the development of the times and the rejuvenation of the nation, see that the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations has become an important part of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, get rid of the shackles of anachronistic old notions, and make the revitalization of China an undisputed common goal. The development of cross-Strait relations is an irresistible trend. It is the way of history, and we must determine our roadmap accordingly and continue to move forward. Our two parties should take the revitalization of the nation and the happiness of the people as our responsibility, promote the unity and cooperation of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, actively promote the concept of “one family across the Taiwan Strait,” gather the wisdom and strength of Chinese people on both sides of the Strait, heal the wounds from history in the process of jointly achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and write a new chapter of prosperity for the Chinese nation. 

Third, insist on enhancing mutual trust, positive interaction, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and being pragmatic and enterprising. The core of enhancing mutual trust is to form a clearer common understanding and consistent position on the principle of reinforcing and maintaining the one-China framework. Positive interaction means strengthening communication and equal consultation, fostering positive synergy with each other, showing goodwill to each other, maintaining the hard-earned peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and solving each other’s issues in a sensible and reasonable manner. Seeking common ground while reserving differences means that, in the spirit of being in the same boat, political wisdom must be brought into play to gather and expand consensus on the development of cross-Strait relations and properly handle and manage differences. Pragmatic and enterprising means being pragmatic, insisting on the practical approach, making gradual progress, moving forward steadily, not stagnating in the face of difficulties, not being confused by interference, and avoiding regression. Cross-Strait relations have entered a new phase of consolidation and deepening, and it is all the more necessary for both of our parties to maintain a positive and enterprising spirit and to face and overcome difficulties along the way with greater courage and determination. We hope that both sides will work together to achieve more positive results in the development of cross-Strait relations and to constantly broaden the path of cross-Strait relations in a peaceful manner. 

Fourth, insist on steadily advancing the overall development of cross-Strait relations. First of all, we must continue to maintain the overall stability of cross-Strait relations. The “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and their activities remain a real threat to peace in the Taiwan Strait, and we must continue to oppose and curb any form of “Taiwan independence” separatist advocacy and activities, without any compromise. On the basis of stable cross-Strait relations, there is a wide scope for cross-Strait communication and cooperation in all sectors. Both sides across the Taiwan Strait should take more positive initiatives to deepen cooperation in the fields of economy, science and technology, culture, and education, and provide more policy support and create more convenience to expand the scope of cooperation, raise the level of cooperation, and generate greater benefits. We must strive to promote the well-being of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, so that more people will benefit from the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. We must promote the common recognition of the community of common destiny on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, strengthen national pride, and reinforce the common belief in the revitalization of China by actively promoting the common interests and shared culture of our compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. 

During the meeting, Xi Jinping spoke highly of Wu Poh-hsiung’s deep national sentiment and sense of mission to revitalize China, and his significant contributions to the development of cross-Strait relations. 

Wu Poh-hsiung emphasized that adhering to the “1992 Consensus” and opposing “Taiwan independence” is the unanimous position of the two parties and is the basis for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. The one-China principle applies to the laws and institutions of both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Both sides define the cross-strait relationship under the framework of “one-China” and not as a state-to-state relationship. [KMT] Chairman Ma Ying-jeou recently reiterated that he would not promote “two Chinas,” “one China, one Taiwan,” or “Taiwan independence,” which is consistent with the position of the KMT. 

Wu Poh-hsiung said that the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to the same Chinese nation and have the same ancestors. Cross-Strait relations are facing a new situation, where we must build upon the past and open up the future, and the two parties must have a common sense of mission to revitalize the Chinese nation. Both sides of the Taiwan Strait ought to strengthen economic ties, deepen social exchanges, enhance cultural communications, and facilitate the signing of agreements on educational and cultural exchanges to create more substantial benefits for people on both sides. Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are responsible for passing on and promoting Chinese culture, so that the Chinese nation can make meaningful contributions to the world. 

During the meeting, Wu conveyed KMT Chairman Ma Ying-jeou’s greetings to General Secretary Xi. Xi also asked Wu to convey his greetings to Chairman Ma. 

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).