Opposing ‘Taiwan independence’ key for improving cross-Straits relations

It is a tradition for the Communist Party of China to send congratulatory messages to new Kuomintang leaders, but the letter CPC Central Committee General Secretary Xi Jinping sent to the newly elected KMT chairman Eric Chu Li-luan on Sunday is more than just a customary courtesy.

In his message, Xi extended his hope that the two parties will work together for the well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Straits, seek peace in the Taiwan Straits and make contributions to the reunification and great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, indicating that despite the island administration’s and the United States’ continuous provocations on the Taiwan question, the door to peaceful reunification remains open as long as the 1992 Consensus based on the one-China principle is adhered to.

The secessionist-minded Tsai Ing-wen administration of the Taiwan island has halted the otherwise constructive and positive exchanges across the Straits since it came to power in 2016 by refusing to recognize the 1992 Consensus. This has brought cross-Straits relations to a standstill.

Worse, the Tsai administration’s attempts to collude with the US administration in the hope that the US will support its “independence dream” have further strained the island’s relations with the Chinese mainland.

Both sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to one and the same China and the familial bond between compatriots on either side of the Straits cannot be changed by anyone or any force as blood is thicker than water.

In his prompt reply on the same day, apart from expressing his gratitude to Xi, Chu said that he hoped the KMT and the CPC will promote peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits on the basis of the 1992 Consensus and opposition to “Taiwan independence”.

Chu’s stress on the 1992 Consensus and his opposition to the “Taiwan independence” distinguish him from Tsai and can be considered constructive.

If Chu and other politicians on the island uphold the 1992 Consensus, there is no obstacle for any political party or organization in Taiwan to have exchanges with Beijing, which is always willing to engage in dialogue with those from the island who are willing to work toward peaceful reunification.

Relations between Beijing and Taipei have been “grim” since 2016, and it is imperative that the KMT focus on the overall and long-term interests of the Chinese nation.

The resolution of the Taiwan question will not be postponed indefinitely, and does not brook any half-hearted schemes. The mainland will by no means choose the lesser of two evils, as it will only work with those who truly support the cause of national reunification.

The KMT and other parties and organizations on the island that recognize the 1992 Consensus should join hands with the motherland to oppose “Taiwan independence”.