People's Daily, Tuesday publishes an editorial hailing the issuance of a white paper on the Taiwan issue by the Taiwan Affairs Office and the Information Office of the State Council.

The editorial calls the white paper a declaration by the Chinese government explaining its position and policy on the One-China principle, as well as a demonstration of the Chinese people's determination to resolve the Taiwan issue and realize the complete reunification of the motherland as early as possible.

Since Hong Kong and Macao returned to the motherland, the cause of resolving the Taiwan issue and achieving complete reunification has entered into a new stage, the editorial says.

Currently, the development of cross-Straits relations faces new opportunities and challenges as the Chinese people deepen the ongoing struggle against Lee Teng-hui's "two states" statement, and as the international community adopts a common stance adhering to the One China policy, it says.

The editorial stresses that the white paper is of great importance for further implementing the principle of "peaceful reunification, and one country, two systems" and President Jiang Zemin's well-known eight proposals on reunification, opposing the secessionist activities in Taiwan with Lee Teng-hui as the representative, and helping the international community further recognize the falsehood and danger of Lee Teng-hui's "two states" statement.

The white paper, entitled "The One-China Principle and the Taiwan Issue," demonstrates the facts and legitimate basis of One China, and explains how the One China principle originated and its fundamental meaning, the editorial says.

The white paper reiterates the One China principle as the basis for peaceful reunification, highlighting the Chinese government's firm attitude in safeguarding this principle.

The editorial also notes that the Chinese government, since publishing its Taiwan policy of "peaceful reunification, and one country, two systems" in 1979, has exercised utmost sincerity and tried by every means to secure peaceful reunification.

Before reunification, the One China principle must be adhered to in cross-Straits affairs, especially in cross-Straits talks, which means adhering to the position that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of China, and that the sovereignty and territory of China is inalienable, the People's Daily says.

"We advocate that cross-Straits talks be held on the basis of the One China principle, without mentioning 'talks between central and local governments,' in order to allow the two sides to negotiate reunification on an equal footing," the editorial says.

With this principle as the premise, any issues, including those of concern to the Taiwan side, are negotiable; but if the One China principle is damaged, the prospects for peaceful reunification would be threatened, according to the editorial.

However, if Taiwan were separated from China, occupied by foreign countries, or the Taiwan Authorities refuse to peacefully resolve the reunification issue through negotiations, peaceful reunification will become impossible and the Chinese government will have to take the measures necessary to quell the plots of "Taiwan independence" and safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China, the editorial stresses.

At present, cross-Straits relations are at a crucial stage, it says, adding that Lee Teng-hui's "two states" statement has been condemned by the Chinese people at home and abroad and has failed to win the approval or support of the international community.

The editorial also accuses some separatists in Taiwan who, on the one hand, are shouting "Long Live Taiwan Independence," and on the other claim they want "friendly reconciliation, active cooperation, and permanent peace" with the mainland, in an attempt to deceive Taiwan people with beautiful words.

The editorial makes it clear that splitting the motherland means going to a war. "We believe the Taiwan compatriots who prefer a peaceful reunification are able to recognize the lies and make their own choice," it says.

The People's Daily condemns some foreign forces who do not want to see China's reunification and are trying to sell advanced weapons and sell or transfer relevant technologies for the so-called TMDS under various premises, while some forces are attempting to turn the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act into law.

These things once again remind people to be on high alert by adhering to the One China principle, firmly opposing "Taiwan independence" and the plots of secessionist forces in Taiwan, and opposing interference in the Taiwan issue and China's internal affairs by foreign forces, the editorial says.

The editorial says that in order to complete the great cause of the reunification of the motherland at the earliest possible date, the mainland "will continue implementing the principle of 'peaceful reunification and one country, two systems' and the eight proposals raised by President Jiang Zemin, further develop cross-Straits relations in a comprehensive manner, be more active in pushing forward cross-straits personnel exchanges in the economic and cultural fields, and establish direct links in trade, transport, and postal services as soon as possible."

The paper calls for an exchange of views with all Taiwan-based parties, groups, and individuals who advocate developing cross-Straits relations in order to create conditions for cross-Straits talks and negotiations.

The editorial asks Taiwan compatriots to join hands with compatriots on the mainland to prevent the splitting of the motherland and the plotting for "Taiwan independence."

The editorial concludes with the hope that the U.S. government will abide by the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques and keep its promises on the Taiwan issue.