Taiwan’s New Party vows to help improve relations

Delegation to Beijing reaffirms support for one-China, rejection of agitators

Separatist activities and the group supporting ‘independence’ pose the most serious threat to the peaceful development of crossStraits relations.” Zhang Zhijun, head of the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office

Top political adviser Yu Zhengsheng met with a Taiwan delegation representing the island’s New Party in Beijing on Monday to discuss the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations and how to achieve the “great rejuvenation” of the Chinese nation.

Yu praised the New Party’s unbroken stance upholding the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, since the party’s establishment, as well as its peaceful approach to relations.

The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which was held in October, further clarified the guidelines and policies addressing Taiwan, Yu said.

In his opening address to delegates during the congress, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the CPC, called the one-China principle the political foundation of crossStraits relations, and said that attempts to move toward “Taiwan independence” in any form will be defeated.

Taiwan will share development opportunities on the Chinese mainland, and its residents will enjoy the same treatment as mainland people as they pursue studies, start businesses, seek jobs or come to live on the mainland, Xi said in the address.

Yok Mu-ming, chairman of the New Party and head of the Taiwan delegation, said the party has firmly upheld the one-China principle and promoted peace.

The delegation also met on Monday with Zhang Zhijun, head of the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office.

Zhang and Yok agreed that the one-China principle must be upheld going forward, expressed firm opposition to separatist activities and vowed to make efforts toward peaceful relations.

Both sides agreed to establish and improve mechanisms of communication, share opinions on major issues in the relationship and promote exchanges and communication in all fields — especially between youth. They further agreed to create a constructive and convenient environment for the development of Taiwan youth on the mainland.

Zhang said cross-Straits relations have faced challenges because the island’s Democratic Progressive Party has refused to clearly express support for the one-China principle, which led to the mainland suspending official communications with the island.

He said that a “Taiwan independence” force had recently stirred up the island, proposing the removal of Chinese mainland elements in a variety of fields.

“Its aim is to cut the historical ties between Taiwan and the mainland, reduce public awareness that Taiwan people are part of the Chinese nation and limit many cultural influences on the island,” he said.

Some people advocating “Taiwan independence” have pushed for amending the law, and have proposed changing the island’s constitution. “This shows that separatist activities and the group supporting ‘independence’ pose the most serious threat to the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations,” Zhang said.

He warned that people from both sides should be vigilant and firmly oppose such activities.