Taiwan Authorities Urged to Recognize One-China Principle

Taiwan Authorities Urged to Recognize One-China Principle

The Taiwan authorities should size up the situation and go along with the people's will to recognize the one-China principle and take the bright path of peaceful reunification.

Chi Haotian, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission ( CMC), defense minister and state councilor, made the remarks Monday evening at a reception marking the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

"The PLA is firmly against any attempt to split the motherland in whatever form, and the complete reunification of China will certainly come at an earlier date," Chi said.

He said realize the complete reunification of the motherland represents the trend of the times and the aspirations of the people.

Taiwan Authorities Urged to Recognize One-China Principle

"We will stick to the basic principle of peaceful reunification and the 'one country, two systems' policy, implement the eight- point proposal for advancing cross-Straits relations and promote peaceful reunification of the motherland," he said.

"We are determined to stop all separatist activities that promote Taiwan independence," he said.

He said the Chinese armed forces have been downsized by 500,000, another step forward toward the goal of building a well-integrated, highly efficient army of crack soldiers, he said.

He said remarkable achievements have been made in science and technology for national defense. The high-tech research and development have yielded a number of results, including the Shenzhou space ship

He said at the turn of the century, profound changes are continuing to take place on the international scene. To seek peace and development and promote cooperation, the establishment of a just and rational new international political and economic order has become an irresistible historical trend, he said.

"China will pursue an independent foreign policy of peace, develop friendly relations with other countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, and enhance friendly exchanges and cooperation with armed forces around the world to pursue world peace," Chi said.