The Hong Kong Region China Peaceful Reunification Association held a forum Thursday, urging the Taiwan authorities to return to the "one China" principle and to negotiations on peaceful reunification. Participants all expressed their support to "the One China Principle and the Taiwan Issue" white paper, saying it fully shows the strong desire of the Chinese people and overseas Chinese community for a reunited motherland.

Winston Chou, president of the Hong Kong Region China Peaceful Reunification Association, said Premier Zhou Rongji's speech and the white paper serve a timely and powerful guideline, which rendered a heavy blow to the attempt for Taiwan independence by making use of the so-called "presidential election." It is an undeniable fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, Chou said, noting that the future of Taiwan only lies in reunifying with the motherland.

He said the practice of the "one country, two systems" principle in Hong Kong and Macao demonstrates the tremendous success of the principle and that it is applicable to Taiwan as well.

Moreover, the "one country, two system" principle would be more lenient in solving the Taiwan issue, he said, noting that it is a wise choice for the Taiwan authorities to return to the "one China " principle and to the negotiations on the peaceful reunification.