The "People's Daily" carries an editorial on January 29 to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the publication of President Jiang Zemin's speech containing an eight-point proposal on China's reunification.

The editorial, entitled "To realize peaceful reunification, andmake concerted efforts to rejuvenate China," says that China's complete reunification process has entered a new stage after Hong Kong and Macao's return to the motherland.

Under the guidance of "peaceful reunification, one country, twosystems" and Jiang's eight-point proposal, exchanges between Taiwan and the mainland have increased. As a result, the two sideshave made significant bilateral progress.

However, some separatist forces in Taiwan, headed by Lee Teng-hui, are determined to divide the island from the motherland, pointing to the "two states" remarks by Lee Teng-hui in July 1999.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government, along with all the Chinese people, have fought staunchly against Lee Teng-hui and his supporters who are trying to create "Taiwan independence," "two Chinas," or "one China, one Taiwan."

Lee Teng-hui's position has not won support from the international community.

But Lee and separatist forces have begun to plot a conspiracy to sever Taiwan from China "lawfully" by drafting a so-called "Taiwan basic law," the editorial says.

The CPC and the Chinese government have been sincere in the efforts to realize reunification through peaceful means. The editorial calls on the people of Taiwan to respond positively to President Jiang Zemin's proposal and discuss or negotiate any issues to find political solutions acceptable to both sides.

As both sides of the Taiwan Straits seek entry into the World Trade Organization, they should further strengthen economic cooperation. "We pin our hopes for reunification on the people of Taiwan. Taiwan compatriots are opposed to 'independence' of the island and want to realize peaceful reunification and promote relations across the straits."

The smooth return of Hong Kong and Macao has proven that the "one country, two systems" principle can be successfully applied toresolving the Taiwan issue. Any suggestion and advice on reunification from Taiwan compatriots will be carefully listened to and respected.

With support and participation of all Chinese people across theworld, the editorial says, the Taiwan issue will be settled soonerthan later. The glorious rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and its people will be realized at an early date in the new millennium.