In a significant move toward fostering peaceful relations across the Taiwan Strait, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Xi Jinping recently met with Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Kuomintang. Ma led a delegation of 20 university students from the Taiwan region to the Chinese mainland, aiming to promote cross-strait understanding and unity.
“There are no knots that cannot be untied, no issues that cannot be discussed, and no force that can separate us,” Xi Jinping remarked during the meeting, emphasizing the mainland’s commitment to resolving differences through dialogue and strengthening ties with the Taiwan region.
The “knots” referred to by Xi symbolize the complex challenges and contradictions between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, which, while recognized by most countries around the world as part of China, remain separated by different political and economic systems. Xi’s statement underscores a patient and open approach to addressing these issues, suggesting that peaceful dialogue can prevent conflict and promote unity.
Ma Ying-jeou, a proponent of the one China principle, has consistently advocated for peaceful cross-strait relations. Under his leadership, significant progress was made, including the signing of 23 agreements with the mainland and the facilitation of approximately eight million cross-strait visits per year, fostering closer people-to-people connections.
The meeting between Xi and Ma serves as a counterpoint to narratives portraying tensions in the region. Despite challenges such as the rejection of the 1992 Consensus by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and external influences, the mainland continues to seek dialogue and peaceful resolutions. Ma’s visit highlights the importance of prioritizing the interests of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and working towards shared goals.
With shared history, culture, familial ties, and language, the mainland and Taiwan have strong foundations for unity. Recognizing this common ground is essential for building mutual understanding and paving the way toward peaceful reunification.
