Evading "One China" Principle ImpermissibleOur Daily Monday carries a commentary urging Taiwan' s elected leader not to shy away from the one-China principle. The commentary said there will be no lasting peace across the Taiwan Straits if the one-China principle and the fact that Taiwan is part of China are not recognized.The article, titled "Evading 'One-China' Principle Impermissible," points out that any misinterpretation of the principle has ulterior motives. It said that the elected-leader in Taiwan recently said that he is "willing" to improve cross-straits relations. On the other hand, he" has adopted an attitude of evading and defying the most important and most key issue for developing the cross-straits relationship," the paper said. It said that the relaxation, improvement, and development of cross-straits relations depend on whether or not Taiwan recognizes and adheres to the one China principle. Following the Taiwan regional election on March 18, China has closely followed the words and actions of the elected leader. President Jiang Zemin and Premier Zhu Rongji have repeatedly stressed that "no matter who is in power in Taiwan, he is welcome to the mainland for talks. And at the same time, we can go to Taiwan." But the basis for dialogue is to first recognize the one-China principle. Under this principle, anything is open to discussion, the paper said. "The Chinese government's proposal and stand in handling cross- straits relations is firm, consistent, and clear, and it has shown great sincerity and patience," the People's Daily said. "We maintain that the two sides of the straits have dialogs, talks, and negotiations as equals, but the sole precondition is that the Taiwan side must recognize the one-China principle." "This is our bottom line," the commentary added. The commentary said that it is not proper to play "word games," and a person's trustworthiness comes from what he does. Talking about the "relaxation" of cross-straits relations one thousand times without actual action can convince no one, it said. The commentary said that the Chinese government and people will make no concessions or compromises on the fundamental issue of state sovereignty and territorial integrity. It went on to say that the elected Taiwan leader lacks sincerity toward improving the cross-straits relationship, as he avoids talking about the key issue of one-China principle. The article said recognizing that Taiwan is part of China, and the one-China principle, are basic requirements the mainland expects from the Taiwan regional leader. "The exchange of mail service, trade, and air and shipping services has been our consistent stand, and we have made unremitting efforts in this regard. "But these three exchanges are certainly made within one China, and smooth dialogs and negotiations between the two sides of the straits can only be conducted under the one-China principle," the paper said. "Abandonment of this principle is actually intended to separate Taiwan from the motherland," it continued. "The Chinese government and people will never allow the separation of Taiwan from China. We have the determination, confidence, and ability to achieve the complete reunification of the motherland," it concluded. |
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