The example of Hong Kong and "One Country, Two Systems" is the best model to benefit reunification of Taiwan with the motherland, said Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam Thursday.

Lam was speaking during a dinner party held by Hong Kong Region China Peaceful Reunification Association last night.

The association stages a forum on cross-Straits relations and Asia-Pacific security today.

Lam said implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle has enabled Hong Kong to achieve sound political and economic development over the past few years. It has enabled Hong Kong people to express different opinions on political issues and constitutional development, he said.

The Basic Law, together with Hong Kong's legal system, has made it possible to solve new problems that have popped up since the handover, he noted.

He said Hong Kong will invite some Taiwan parties to come to the SAR and see how political and economic conditions have improved under "One Country, Two Systems".

On the same occasion, Hsu Hsin-liang, former chairman of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), said he was worried that the tense cross-Straits relationship could become worse and lead to war between the mainland and Taiwan.

The two sides needed to build up a new perception to ease tensions, he said.

(China Daily HK Edition August 6, 2004)