China’s Taiwan Affairs Office Chief Meets With KMT Vice Chairman, Emphasizing Peaceful Development and Opposing ‘Taiwan Independence’
Nanchang, China – Song Tao, Director of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, met withXia Liyan, Vice Chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT), in Lushan, Jiangxi Province on August 28.
During themeeting, Song Tao emphasized the importance of pursuing peaceful development of cross-strait relations and resolutely opposing Taiwan independence. He reiterated the commitment of the CPC to fully implement the important speeches and the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the20th CPC Central Committee, further improving the institutional and policy framework to promote cross-strait integration and development. He expressed a willingness to provide greater opportunities for Taiwanese compatriots to participate in the great cause of national rejuvenation and strong nationaldevelopment.
Song Tao stressed the need for both sides to uphold the 1992 Consensus and oppose Taiwan independence as the common political foundation for strengthening exchanges and cooperation. He highlighted the importance of opposing Taiwan independence separatism and external interference, promoting peaceful development of cross-strait relations, maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, benefiting both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and advancing national reunification and national rejuvenation.
Xia Liyan, in his response, acknowledged the shared heritage of the Chinese nation and emphasized that being a Taiwanese and being a Chinese are not mutually exclusive. He reiterated the KMT’s commitment to upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing Taiwan independence as the basis for maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. He expressed the KMT’s willingness to promote exchanges and cooperation across the Strait, pushing for positive development in cross-strait relations.
The meeting between SongTao and Xia Liyan comes amidst heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait. The recent visit of US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to Taiwan in April triggered a strong response from China, which conducted military exercises around the island. The meeting also follows the KMT’s recent efforts to strengthen ties with the mainland, including the participation ofKMT officials in the annual Taiwan Affairs Forum in Beijing.
The meeting between Song Tao and Xia Liyan is seen as a significant step in maintaining communication and dialogue between the two sides. It is hoped that the meeting will contribute to the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and the avoidance of further escalationof tensions.
Background:
The 1992 Consensus is a political understanding reached in 1992 between the CPC and the KMT, which acknowledges that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China, but allows for different interpretations of what one China means. The consensushas served as the basis for cross-strait relations for decades, but has been increasingly challenged in recent years.
Taiwan independence refers to the movement advocating for Taiwan’s formal independence from China. The CPC considers Taiwan independence to be a major threat to national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The TaiwanStrait has been a source of tension for decades, with China claiming sovereignty over Taiwan. The US has a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding Taiwan, which means that it does not explicitly state whether it would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack.
Analysis:
The meeting between Song Tao and Xia Liyan is a positive development for cross-strait relations. It demonstrates the willingness of both sides to engage in dialogue and communication, which is crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the region.
However, the meeting also highlights the deep divisions that exist between the two sides. The CPC’s insistence on the 1992 Consensus and its opposition to Taiwan independence are non-negotiable positions. The KMT, while accepting the 1992 Consensus, has also expressed concerns about the CPC’s increasing assertiveness towards Taiwan.
The future of cross-strait relations will depend on the ability ofboth sides to find common ground and manage their differences. The meeting between Song Tao and Xia Liyan provides a glimmer of hope that dialogue and communication can pave the way for a more peaceful and stable future for the Taiwan Strait.
【source】http://www.chinanews.com/gn/2024/08-28/10276266.shtml
Views: 0