3. Achieving National Reunification Through Peaceful Means

Adhering to the one China principle is the unshakable basis for the settlement of the Taiwan question. 

The one China principle reflects the very fact that the mainland and Taiwan belong to one and the same China and highlights our goal of a peaceful reunification. 

"Peaceful reunification and one country, two systems" has been our basic policy in achieving a solution to the Taiwan question. 

A reunification by peaceful means best serves the fundamental interests of all Chinese people, the Taiwan compatriots included, as it is conducive to fostering a warm affection among compatriots on both sides, to peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and the Asia-Pacific region as a whole and to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. 

The "one country, two systems" formula not only embodies the principled position of achieving national reunification and safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity, but allows a high degree of flexibility by taking into full account Taiwan's past and present circumstances. The draft legislation, therefore, provides for upholding the principle of one China as the basis of peaceful reunification of the country, and reunifying the country through peaceful means as best serving the fundamental interests of the compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits. 

The state shall do its utmost with maximum sincerity to achieve a peaceful reunification. And after the country is reunified peacefully, Taiwan may practice systems different from those on the mainland and enjoy a high degree of autonomy.

Maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and promoting common development and common prosperity is an aspiration shared by the compatriots on both sides of the Straits and serves their common interests. 

In this connection, the draft legislation provides for the following measures by the state to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and promote cross-Straits relations:

1) to encourage and facilitate personnel exchanges across the Straits for greater mutual understanding and mutual trust;

2) to encourage and facilitate economic exchanges and cooperation, realize direct links of trade, mail, and air and shipping services, and bring about closer economic ties between the two sides of the Straits to their mutual benefit;

3) to encourage and facilitate cross-Straits exchanges in education, science and technology, culture, health and sports, and work together to carry forward the proud Chinese cultural traditions;

4)to encourage and facilitate cross-Straits cooperation in combating crimes; and

5) to encourage and facilitate other activities that are conducive to peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and stronger cross-Straits relations.

The state protects the rights and interests of the Taiwan compatriots in accordance with law.

A peaceful reunification requires cross-Straits consultations and negotiations and a broader room be given to them. 

As long as the one China principle is adhered to, any issue can be put on the table for discussion. The draft legislation expressly provides:

1) The state stands for the achievement of peaceful reunification through consultations and negotiations on an equal footing between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits. These consultations and negotiations may be conducted in steps and phases and with flexible and varied modalities.

2) The two sides may consult and negotiate on officially ending the state of hostility between the two sides, mapping out the development of cross-Straits relations, steps and arrangements for a peaceful reunification, the political status of the Taiwan authorities, the Taiwan region's room of international operation that is compatible with its status, and other matters concerning the achievement of peaceful reunification.

(Xinhua News Agency March 8, 2005)