General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping met with Chairman of the Taiwan Kuomintang Party Zheng Liwen. These are the first talks between the leaders of the two parties in the past 10 years.
"We are ready, on the common political basis of commitment to the 1992 Consensus and opposition to Taiwan independence, to work with all parties, groups and representatives of various circles on the island, including the Kuomintang, to strengthen exchanges and dialogue. <...> "We intend to firmly hold the future of cross-strait relations in the hands of the Chinese people themselves," China Central Television reported Xi Jinping as saying.
The Chinese leader noted that no changes in the international environment can stop the historical trend of national unification. During the talks, he put forward four theses for the development of bilateral relations. The President of the People's Republic of China called for strengthening national identity, noting that differences in social systems should not serve as a pretext for division. He also stressed the need for firm opposition to separatists, calling supporters of the island's independence the main culprits in undermining peace in the Taiwan Strait.
In addition, the Chinese leader outlined the expansion of exchanges and economic integration to improve the well-being of his compatriots. In conclusion, Xi Jinping stressed the importance of unity for the rejuvenation of the nation, adding that Taiwan's future is inextricably linked to the strength of the entire country.
Zheng Liwen, in turn, stated that the people on both sides of the Strait belong to the same Chinese nation. She reaffirmed the Kuomintang Party's commitment to the 1992 Consensus and its firm opposition to the island's independence. She said the party intends to develop cooperation in all areas for the sake of a peaceful future. The meeting was attended by Wang Huning and Tsai Ing-wen, members of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee.
Taiwan has been governed by its own administration since 1949, when the remnants of the Kuomintang forces led by Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975) fled there after their defeat in the Chinese Civil War. According to Beijing's official position, supported by most countries, including Russia, it is one of the regions of the PRC.