Proposal on cross-Straits ties hailed by observers

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a speech at a gathering to commemorate the 40th anniversary of issuing Message to Compatriots in Taiwan, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Jan 2, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

President Xi Jinping's proposal for the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations for the new era has been warmly received by Taiwan residents and scholars, with many hailing the speech for injecting fresh confidence in national reunification.

In a speech delivered on Wednesday morning in Beijing, Xi outlined a five-point proposal for pushing forward the reunification of the nation, including democratic consultations and institutional arrangements, as well as better connectivity across the Taiwan Straits.

Huang Zonghao, a Taiwan resident working as a researcher at Shanghai Jiaotong University, said Xi's speech has provided a boost in confidence for national reunification. "President Xi's speech has sent out very positive signals and opened up new prospects (about reunification) in the new era."

He noted that the local elections in Taiwan in November reflected the strong will of the public in Taiwan to share the benefits of peaceful development across the Taiwan Straits, and Xi's speech outlined a vision focused on benefiting Taiwan people.

Sun Teh-tsong, honorary chairman of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises in Kunshan, Jiangsu province, said Xi's speech showed confidence in resolving the Taiwan question with the nation's growing strength.

"The peaceful and stable development of cross-Straits relations has been a clear trend with growing economic integration and closer bonds," said Sun, also board chairman of Taiwan chemical company Nan Pao.

Sun said he was impressed by Xi's proposal for a common market across the Taiwan Straits, and the huge market volume of the mainland can help Taiwan fend off market fluctuations and provide more security for the lives of Taiwan residents.

Sun added that there is also huge potential for better connectivity between the mainland and Taiwan.

David Lin, chairman of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, said the joint wisdom of people across the Straits could enable reunification despite the different political systems.

Cheng Po-yu, a Taiwan resident who is CEO of the Cross-Straits Youth Communication Association in Beijing, said he watched Xi's speech live on television with another six fellow entrepreneurs. He said Xi's speech provides new elaboration on "one country, two systems", and the use of ordinary language will get the message across to Taiwan youth.

Jackson Jean, a Taiwan student who is now a senior at Renmin University of China, said his experience on the mainland has provided him with new perspectives, and he is also impressed by the open attitudes of the people in mainland on cross-Straits affairs. "I have been asked about studying and living in the mainland by many of my junior fellow students, and I always told them it was worth it," he said.

Li Peng, head of the Taiwan Research Center at Xiamen University, said Xi has provided a solemn promise to Taiwan compatriots in assuring that their social system, lifestyle, personal property, religious freedom and legitimate interest will be adequately guaranteed after peaceful reunification. "It will help soothe the nerves of the Taiwan people and dispel their misunderstanding and worries about 'one country, two systems'," he said.