Cross-Strait Symposium Attracts Over 100 Scholars in XiamenXiamen, a coastal city in China's Fujian Province is reported to have attracted over 100 experts keen on cross-Strait relations to a symposium scheduled May 9.Co-sponsored by Taiwan Democratic Self-government League, All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots and Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University, this cross-Strait ties symposium has been attended by 38 and 67 representatives respectively from the mainland and Taiwan Province. Important discussions on cross-Strait relations will be held. Guo Junci, deputy chairman of Taiwan-based Promotion Association of China's Peaceful Reunification, has been quoted as saying that the symposium is a meeting on cross-Strait relations with paramount significance, held at a critical time and in a critical place. Tang Shubei, executive vice-president of the mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) addressed the symposium, saying that improvement and foreground of peaceful and stable cross-Strait relations lies in whether the "One China" principle will be recognized by the Taiwan authorities. It's not until the Taiwan authorities has clearly stated its stand on the "One China" principle, there will be no enough space for developing peaceful and stable relations across the Taiwan Strait, said Tang in his keynote speech. The ARATS official pointed out that the "two states" statement by Lee Teng-hui in July 1999 has resulted in tension and conflict in cross-Straits relations, and that new complicated factors have appeared since the local election in Taiwan this year. According to Tang, some people in Taiwan are still reluctant to recognize the One-China Principle and the fact that Taiwan is part of China, although they have used a few "moderate" and "well- meaning" words. Some separatist forces have been openly advocating "Taiwan Independence," Tang added. "All this cannot but cause severe concern among compatriots both in Taiwan and on the mainland," Tang said. Adherence to the One-China Principle concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the Chinese government and people will make no concession on this matter of principle, the official said. Tang went on to say that both sides of the Straits have adhered to the One-China Principle since 1949 when the People's Republic of China was founded, though the two sides were separated for the moment. "We now welcome any effort toward definitely accepting the principle and resolutely oppose any word or deed against it," Tang said. The official reiterated the central government position on cross-Straits negotiations, saying that such negotiations are not those between the central government and local authorities, but talks on an equal footing to be held under the One-China Principle. Tang denied that the principle means "degrading Taiwan" and " the surrender of Taiwan." "Our position is clear," Tang said. "The Taiwan authorities should not have misinterpreted it." Tang called on all compatriots on both sides of the Straits to unite in fighting "Taiwan Independence" and safeguard the One- China Principle. |
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