In a significant move to enhance cross-strait relations, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with Ma Ying-jeou in Beijing on Wednesday. The meeting underscored the shared heritage and future aspirations of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
“Compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to the same Chinese nation,” Xi emphasized during the meeting. He highlighted the over 5,000 years of Chinese history, noting how generations of ancestors moved and settled in Taiwan, and how people from across the Strait have historically united to defend their homeland against foreign invaders.
Xi Jinping reaffirmed the inseparable bond between the people of the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, stating, “There are no knots that cannot be untied, no issues that cannot be discussed, and no force that can separate us.” He stressed that the geographical distance of the Strait cannot sever the kinship shared by compatriots on both sides.
Addressing the future of cross-strait relations, Xi noted that differences in systems do not alter the reality that both sides of the Strait belong to one China. He also pointed out that external interference cannot hinder the historical trend toward national reunification.
Highlighting the importance of youth in shaping the future, Xi encouraged young people from both sides to foster pride and confidence in their Chinese identity. “Youth are the hope of the country and the future of the nation,” he remarked. He called on the younger generation to work together for the long-term prosperity of the Chinese nation and to continue creating new glory.
The meeting between Xi Jinping and Ma Ying-jeou marks a pivotal moment in cross-strait relations, signaling a shared commitment to dialogue and cooperation. Observers note that such high-level interactions could pave the way for increased economic, cultural, and social exchanges between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, benefiting people on both sides.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
