What are the basic contents of the policy of "peaceful reunification; one country, two systems"?

(1) Only one China. There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The Chinese Government is firmly against any words or deeds designed to split China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It opposes "two Chinas", "one China, one Taiwan", "one country, two governments" or any attempt or act that could lead to "independence of Taiwan". Taiwan's status as an inalienable part of China has been determined and cannot be changed. "Self determination" for Taiwan is out of the question.

(2) Co-existence of two systems. On the premise of one China, the mainland of China will practise the socialist system and Taiwan will maintain the original system. The two systems will co-exist for a long time and develop side by side without one swallowing up the other. After reunification, Taiwan's current socio-economic system, its way of life and its economic and cultural ties with foreign countries can remain unchanged. Private property, houses, land, business ownership, legal inheritance and investments by overseas Chinese and foreigners on the island will all be protected by law.


(3) A high degree of autonomy. After reunification, Taiwan will become a special administrative region. Different from the other provinces or regions of China, it will have its own administrative and legislative powers, an independent judiciary and the right of adjudication on the island. It may conclude commercial and cultural agreements with foreign countries and enjoy certain rights in foreign affairs. It will run its own party, political, military, economic, financial and cultural affairs. It may keep its military forces and the central government will not dispatch troops or administrative personnel to the island. On the other hand, representatives of the government of the special administrative region and those from different circles of Taiwan may be appointed to senior posts in the central government and participate in the running of national affairs.


(4) Peace negotiations. It is the common aspiration of the entire Chinese people to achieve reunification of the country by peaceful means through contacts and negotiations. People on both sides of the Straits are all Chinese. It would be a great tragedy for all if China's territorial integrity and sovereignty were to be split and its people were to be drawn into a fratricide.