Sun Yafu, deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said recently during an interview with Hong Kong media that the mainland still values the "four no's and one no question" promise made by the leader of Taiwan authorities, it is hoped that he would abide by the promise during his terms of office in the next three years. (His "four no's and one no question" promise reads as follows: "I will not declare independence, I will not change the national title, I will not push forth the inclusion of the so-called 'state-to-state' description in the Constitution, and I will not promote a referendum to change the status quo in regard to the question of independence or unification. Furthermore, the abolition of the National Reunification Council or the National Reunification Guidelines will not be an issue."

Sun Yafu pointed out: So long as the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) abandons the "Taiwan independence" party program, ceases "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities, the Chinese mainland is willing to give it a positive response and to get into contact with the DPP. However, Sun warned in the meantime that in the coming three years, if war breaks out in the Taiwan Straits, there could only be one possibility, that is, "Taiwan independence" separatist forces misjudge the situation and thus rush hastily into danger.

When asked about whether the Chinese mainland thinks the DPP would give up its "Taiwan independence" stand and would take a new move to push ahead the "Taiwan independence" process when election of a new leader is held in the Taiwan region and before the Beijing Olympic Games takes place in 2008, Sun Yafu said whether or not the DPP would give up "Taiwan independence" is a matter for the DPP itself to decide.

Sun pointed out that the leader of the Taiwan authorities, on February 24 this year, reaffirmed his "four no's and one no question" promise, and reiterated his promise that "constitutional reform does not involve a change in sovereignty, territory and the status quo of the Taiwan Straits". President Hu Jintao, in his March 4 speech, expressed the hope that the Taiwan leader would earnestly fulfill these promises, saying: "We hope the leader of Taiwan authorities can abide by his promises in the coming three years, live up to what he has said, and cease all Taiwan independence activities".

When asked about whether war could break out between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits in the next three years, Sun clearly pointed out: "Settling the Taiwan issue by peaceful means conforms to the fundamental interests of compatriots of the two sides and tallies with the peace and development trends of today's world, as long as there is still a ray of hope for peaceful reunification, we will redouble our efforts for its realization".

Sun also pointed out, "In the coming three years, if war breaks out across the Taiwan Straits, there would be only one possibility, that is the Taiwan independence secessionist forces misjudge the situation and thus rush recklessly into danger".

By People's Daily Online