The vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Tung Chee Hwa, said recently the "eight-point proposal" on developing cross-Straits relations addressed by then-president Jiang Zemin in 1995 is the inheritance, development and perfection of the principles of peaceful reunification and "one country, two systems" initiated by Deng Xiaoping.

The "four-point guidelines" set forth by President Hu Jintao last March on the development of cross-Straits relations under new circumstances are the continuation and development of the central government's policy toward Taiwan and a programmatic document guiding the development of cross-Straits relations in the future, Tung added.

On the occasion of the 11th anniversary of Jiang's speech entitled "Continue to Promote the Reunification of the Motherland," Tung gave a joint interview to journalists of three central media organizations stationed in Hong Kong -- the Xinhua News Agency, People's Daily and CCTV. He talked freely about the historic significance of Jiang's speech and the realistic importance of guidance of Hu's address concerning the policy's continuity, consistency and innovativeness.

He said Jiang's "eight-point proposal" has made it clear that adhering to the one-China principle is the base and premise of realizing peaceful reunification. Under this condition, any problems can be talked.

He said the proposal has put forward the initial concept of peace negotiation across the Straits, added a new meaning to cross-Straits economic and cultural exchanges, and intensified the thought of placing hope on the Taiwan people. It voices the popular will among all the Chinese people to achieve reunification as early as possible. In the 11 years, the speech has accelerated the development of cross-Straits relations and consolidated the consensus of all Chinese people throughout the world, including the Taiwan people, on the country's reunification.

On Hu's "four-point guidelines," Tung said it reflects the wisdom and thought of the new generation of the central leadership on developing cross-Straits relations and promoting peaceful reunification by judging the hour, sizing up the situation and advancing along with the passage of time. It shows the mainland's both steadfastness on principles and flexibility on specific aspects.

Tung said the "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces within the island are obviously unpopular for the present time. More and more Taiwan compatriots earnestly hope the cross-Straits relations could be developed in a peaceful, steady way, and that cooperation and exchanges across the Straits could be expanded.

Tung said the great concept of "one country, two systems," which was originally initiated by Deng Xiaoping to solve the Taiwan issue, has been firstly implemented in Hong Kong and Macao. Its successful implementation in the two places proves the concept is scientific and practical, and has been acknowledged by the international community.

Hong Kong has been playing a key role in bridging cross-Straits relations, Tung said. Taiwan is Hong Kong's fourth largest trading partner and fifth largest export market. It is also the fourth major tourist destination for Hong Kong residents. Over 300 Taiwan companies have set up regional headquarters or representative offices in Hong Kong. More and more Taiwan enterprises choose Hong Kong to go public and for financing. Visitor arrivals from Taiwan to the Chinese mainland through Hong Kong or Macao have reached nearly 40 million since 1988.

"I believe, with the peaceful and steady development of the cross-Straits relations, relations between Hong Kong and Taiwan will surely be deepened. Hong Kong will, undoubtedly, further play its unique role in promoting economic integration across the Straits and make contribution to the country's peaceful reunification," Tung said.

While looking back on the breakthrough in cross-Straits relations in 2005, Tung said Hu's "four-point guidelines" on the development of cross-Straits relations under new circumstances is of strategic significance and deep insight.

In the wake of the speech, Taiwan-based Kuomintang Party Chairman Lien Chan visited the Chinese mainland at the invitation of Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Their official talks set a historic milestone and left anew chapter in cooperation between the Kuomintang and the CPC, which has a significant impact on the development of the cross-Straits relations.

After that, the central government adopted a series of policies in favor of Taiwan compatriots, which have been widely welcomed and acclaimed by Taiwan people, Tung said.

During the year, the cross-Straits relations, under the guidance of Hu's "four-point guidelines," are advancing in the direction toward peace and stability. Tung said that both Jiang and Hu's speeches on the Taiwan issue have placed the one-China principle atop, and that this proves the principle, as the base and premise of developing cross-Straits relations and achieving the country's peaceful reunification, is consistent and will never change.

Tung concluded the interview by saying with emotion the Chinese mainland people and the Taiwan people are bothers and sisters sharing ties of blood. China is the common home for compatriots across the Straits. Peaceful reunification is the common will of the people across the Straits as well as all the Chinese people throughout the world. It will be conducive to peace and development in Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, Asia and the world.

Tung quoted Hu as saying, "Whatever is beneficial to promoting the country's peaceful reunification, we will try our best to do it, and will do it well." It clearly shows the central authorities' sincerity and determination to realize peaceful reunification of the motherland, Tung said.

(Xinhua News Agency January 29, 2006)