"Photograph Exhibition on Taiwan Issue" Showcased in Beijing


"Photograph Exhibition on Taiwan Issue" Showcased in Beijing
"Photographs Exhibition on Taiwan Issue" co-sponsored by Taiwan Affairs Office and Information Office of the State Council was held in the Museum of Chinese Revolution April 23. Vice-premier Qian Qichen attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech.

Qian said that during the 5000 years of civilization of the Chinese nation the unification of the country has always been the mainstream in the development of history. To maintain unification and oppose separation has been the value and goal treasured by the Chinese people from generation to generation. The 20th century was the one in which the Chinese nation rose from subjugation to progress, from poverty to rejuvenation. In order to fight for national independence, dignity and prosperity arduous endeavors have been made by the Chinese people for it, including our compatriots in Taiwan. However, for 50 years the Chinese people on both sides of the Straits have been looking forward to the reunification of the country though yet haven't been achieved so far to our great regret. Today, on entering into the 21st century, all the Chinese people including our Taiwan compatriots and overseas Chinese have come to realize that a wealthy, democratic, civilized China must be a unified China. The reunification is an irresistible general trend. It is the Chinese people's common will and strong desire to solve the Taiwan Issue, and accomplish the reunification and great rejuvenation of the country as soon as possible.

Qian said that the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government will continue to abide by the principle of "Peaceful Reunification; One country, Two Systems". The successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems" in Hong Kong and Macao has been widely accepted by the world community. Although the Taiwan issue is different from that of Hong Kong and Macao, Taiwan and Hong Kong, Macao are all inseparable part of China, the issue at the core being the realization of reunification. The principle of "One Country, Two Systems" will be carried out in a more flexible way in Taiwan. We believe that with the successful implementation of the system in Hong Kong and Macao, this principle will be recognized by more and more people in Taiwan.

Qian reiterated that one China policy is the principled stand of the Chinese government. He pointed out that the one China principle is the fundamental basis and prerequisite in the realization of peaceful reunification of China, and also the basis and premise for a steady development of the ties across the Straits. Up to now, Taiwan authorities haven't recognized the principle yet, this is the very reason why the relations between the two sides are still held in tension. The one China principle is undeniable and can not be dealt with in an ambiguous way. The earlier the Taiwan authorities recognize the principle, the more benefits can the people in Taiwan get, and also the more conducive to the development of the cross-Straits relations.

China will continue to insist on the principle of "Peaceful Reunification; One Country, Two Systems", and further carry out the eight principles put forward by President Jiang Zemin so as to promote cooperation and exchanges between the two sides in economic, cultural and other fields, and strive for "three direct links" across the Straits, Qian stressed.

The photograph exhibition consists of five parts: the first part is to show the fact that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China ever since ancient times, the second part displays the treasure island of Taiwan including its nature, geography, culture and other fields, the third part the history and essence of the Taiwan issue, the fourth for the sacred mission of reunification of the country the unremitting efforts made by leaders of the three generations for it, and finally, blood is thicker than water, the development process of the two sides.

The exhibition is going to wind up on the 7th of May.



By PD Online staff member Li Yan


People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/