Xi Jinping (R), general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu on Monday, May 4, 2015 in Beijing. This has been Chu's first visit to the mainland since he was elected KMT chairman in January. [Photo/CNS]
Whatever the political differences across the Taiwan Straits, they should not stand in the way of cooperation in a wide range of areas, as there is only one China, to which both sides belong. This is the very foundation for bilateral relations across the Straits and also a force of cohesion that can draw people on both sides together.
Any attempt to challenge the one-China consensus would not only sow the seeds of discord, it would also undermine the political foundation for cross-Straits relations.
That is why Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, called for both sides to establish a framework for the peaceful development of relations when meeting visiting Kuomintang Chairman Eric Chu in Beijing on Monday.
The greater efforts Xi promised to open up the mainland to compatriots on the island speaks volumes about the importance the mainland authorities attach to ensure Taiwan compatriots gain real benefits from the development of cross-Straits ties. It also signifies how much they treasure what has been achieved in the past decades.
Apart from economic cooperation, cultural exchanges are equally important to building a community of shared destiny across the Straits. Only with more chances for people on both sides to interact with one another will they develop the awareness of the same cultural roots they share, especially young people, since they shoulder the mission of this nation's reunification.
When it comes to the political differences across the Straits, Xi called for the promotion of political trust and for the expanding of common ground through equal talks.
Reunification will not be plain sailing. But the one-China principle is the bottom line for cross-Straits relations. There are some on the island who harbor the intention of seeking independence for Taiwan or creating two Chinas. They should know that such an intention is neither in the interests of people on the island nor in the interests of people on the mainland. They should understand that any challenge to the one-China principle will create tensions across the Straits and be detrimental to the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.
Any attempt in any form for Taiwan independence is destined to fail as it is against the will of the majority of the people on both sides of the Straits.
