Highlights of Xi's speech at Taiwan message anniversary event (2)

A gathering to commemorate the 40th anniversary of issuing Message to Compatriots in Taiwan is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Jan 2, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

Xi expounds best approach to reunification

The principles of "peaceful reunification" and "one country, two systems" are the best approach to realizing national reunification, Xi said.

On the basis of ensuring China's sovereignty, security and interests of development, the social system and way of life in Taiwan will be fully respected, and the private property, religious beliefs and legitimate rights and interests of Taiwan compatriots will be fully protected after peaceful reunification is realized, Xi said.

"We are all of the same family. The cross-Straits affairs are domestic affairs and should naturally be addressed through discussion and consultation by ourselves," Xi said.

As long as the one-China principle is upheld, there will be no obstacles in exchanges between political parties and groups in Taiwan and the mainland, Xi said.

Xi proposes institutional arrangement for peaceful development of cross-Straits relations

President Xi Jinping proposed that the mainland and Taiwan conduct democratic consultation on cross-Straits relations and the future of the nation, and establish institutional arrangement for peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.

Political parties and all sectors on both sides of the Straits may recommend representatives to conduct extensive and in-depth democratic consultation on the basis of the common political foundation of upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence," Xi said.

Xi pledges utmost sincerity for peaceful reunification, makes no promise to abandon use of force

While noting that "Chinese don't fight Chinese," Xi said peaceful reunification is in the best interests of compatriots across the Straits as well as the Chinese nation.

"We make no promise to renounce the use of force and reserve the option of taking all necessary means," he added.

This does not target compatriots in Taiwan, but the interference of external forces and the very small number of "Taiwan independence" separatists and their activities, he said.

"Taiwan independence" goes against the trend of history and will lead to a dead end, he said.

"We are willing to create broad space for peaceful reunification, but will leave no room for any form of separatist activities," he added.

Taiwan to be guaranteed lasting peace after peaceful reunification

Xi called for efforts to deepen the integrated development across the Taiwan Straits to consolidate the foundation of peaceful reunification, adding that "Chinese people should help each other."

Xi also pledged to further institutionalize the cross-Straits economic cooperation and to forge a cross-Straits common market.

Both sides should enhance the free flow of trade, connectivity in infrastructure, exchange of energy and resources, and shared industrial standards, said Xi.

Xi calls for joint efforts across Straits to inherit traditional Chinese culture

There are no problems that cannot be solved between family members, Xi said. "We sincerely hope all the compatriots in Taiwan treasure peace as much as they treasure their own eyes, and pursue national reunification as much as they pursue happiness."

Xi urged young people across the Straits to shoulder important tasks with courage, be united and friendly with each other, and strive for a better future hand in hand.

"We cordially welcome young people from Taiwan to cherish, pursue and fulfill their dreams on the mainland of our motherland," he said.

Taiwan question allows no interference from outside

The Chinese people's affairs should be decided by the Chinese people, Xi said, stressing that the Taiwan question concerns China's core interests and the national bond of the Chinese people.

China's reunification does not harm any country's legitimate interests, including their economic interests in Taiwan, Xi said.

It will only bring more development opportunities to other countries, inject more positive energy into the prosperity and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the world, and make greater contributions to building a community with a shared future for humanity, to world peace and development, and to the cause of human progress, he added.