Chinese Embassy in USA Holds Reception 　　A January 26 dispatch from Washington by Our Staff Reporters Ma Shikun and Zhang Yong reports as follows: In order to commemorate the 4th anniversary of the publication of President Jiang Zemin's speech "Continue to Strive for Accomplishment of the Great Cause of the Reunification of the Motherland and the 20th anniversary of the publication of the NPC Standing Committee's Message to Compatriots in Taiwan, Chinese Embassy in the United States held a reception on the evening of January 26. Leaders of local overseas Chinese and representatives of Taiwan compatriots were invited to attend the reception, at which they talked freely about the important significance and far-reaching impact of the two documents, they also voiced their opinions and contributed their ideas and suggestions on promoting the development of cross-Strait relationship and for accomplishing the great cause of the peaceful reunification of the motherland. 　　Liu Xiaoming, Chinese envoy to the United States, said: Realizing the peaceful reunification of the motherland is the common wish of each of the Chinese descendants. After 20 years of efforts, great headway has been made in cross-Strait relationship which is advancing in the direction facilitating the peaceful reunification of the motherland. Since 1988, in particular, cross-Strait relationship has been developing at a faster speed. In the past 10 years, around 13 million Taiwan compatriots have visited the mainland, and 240,000 compatriots from the mainland have been to Taiwan; the number of projects exchanged between the two sides has exceeded 5,000; the contract value of investment made by Taiwan compatriots in the mainland has amounted to about US$40 billion, and US$20 billion of investment has actually been in place; the cumulative value of indirect trade between the two sides has surpassed US$120 billion; Taiwan's exports to the mainland ranked second in its total exports. A mutually beneficial situation in the economic development between the two sides has gradually taken shape. Phased progress has been made in the exchange of mail, trade and air and shipping services between the two sides. Mr. Koo Chen-fu's visit to the mainland last year has played a positive role in further promoting dialogs between the two sides. 　　While affirming the many favorable conditions for the peaceful reunification of the motherland, Liu Xiaoming also pointed out the need to remove many obstacles, primarily the development of the "Taiwan's independence" forces. Liu said, while reviewing the progress achieved in cross-Strait relationship, we should note that we also face challenges. He stressed the need to wage struggles against the forces that try to create "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan", and to develop positive, favorable factors, and curb negative, unfavorable factors. 　　In their speeches at the reception, participants urged conduction of political talks between the two sides at the earliest possible date. WorldNews 1999-01-28 Page6 Full Story in Chinese