OPINION> Commentary
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OPINION> Commentary
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Historic reconciliation
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-05-29 13:28 There is every reason to hope for the best of times in cross-Straits relations after yesterday's meeting between top leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Kuomintang (KMT). Hu Jintao, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, held talks in Beijing with KMT Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung, who embarked on his six-day mainland visit less than a week after former KMT chairman Ma Ying-jeou took office as Taiwan's leader. Their historic meeting came as an inspiring symbol of cross-Straits reconciliation, especially in view of the lingering tension in bilateral ties that characterized the eight-year rule of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). As it lays the political basis for both sides to grasp the "precious, important opportunity" for advancing cross-Straits ties, the exchange is expected to herald a new chapter in the peaceful development of mainland-Taiwan relations.
During their talks, Hu and Wu pledged to build mutual trust and work hard toward peaceful and stable cross-Straits ties under the new circumstances. They also agreed to resume the semi-official talks as soon as possible between the Associations for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits and the Straits Exchange Foundation on the basis of the "1992 consensus". There should be no doubt about the political determination from both sides to promote cross-Straits relations toward a peaceful and stable direction, but it takes wisdom and time to realize that goal. After all, the lack of mutual understanding and trust has prevailed in the Straits as a result of the island's isolation from the mainland since 1949. The secessionist push of the DPP over the past eight years severely dampened mutual confidence and plunged cross-Straits ties into a low point. Beijing and Taipei should first focus their efforts on pushing for issues of immediate benefit to people on both sides such as launching weekend chartered flights and facilitating the passage of mainland tourists to Taiwan as early as possible. An early solution to these issues, while serving the interests of compatriots on both sides, will help increase bilateral exchanges and cooperation. As goodwill and kindness build up, the chances will grow stronger for both sides to resolve their differences and even disputes. That is why the KMT has shared the CPC's proposals for "building mutual trust, laying aside disputes, seeking consensus and shelving differences and jointly creating a win-win situation." The proposals, which are politically far-sighted, have also fully demonstrated Beijing's sincerity to address Taiwan compatriots' concerns. Besides its call for deepening exchanges with the KMT, the CPC has also expressed its willingness to engage "those who used to have the illusion of Taiwan independence, those who used to advocate Taiwan independence and even those who used to engage in such activities" and hoped for them to return to the correct path of peaceful development of cross-Straits relations. The brotherly love and care Taiwan's people have shown for their mainland compatriots in the wake of the 8.0-magnitude earthquake in Sichuan province has highlighted the spiritual power of the Chinese nation to unite and help each other to jointly conquer hardships. Both sides of the Straits can accomplish common development and prosperity as long as they show care for each other and interact out of goodwill. (China Daily 05/29/2008 page8) |
