The vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Tung Chee Hwa, said in Hong Kong recently the "eight-point proposal" on developing cross-Straits relations addressed by then-president Jiang Zemin in 1995 is the inheritance, development and perfection of the principles of peaceful reunification and "one country, two systems" initiated by Deng Xiaoping.

The "four-point guidelines" set forth by President Hu Jintao last March on the development of cross-Straits relations under new circumstances are the continuation and development of the central government's policy toward Taiwan and a programmatic document guiding the development of cross-Straits relations in the future, Tung added.

On the occasion of the 11th anniversary of Jiang's speech entitled "Continue to Promote the Reunification of the Motherland, " Tung gave a joint interview to journalists of three central media organizations stationed in Hong Kong -- the Xinhua News Agency, People's Daily and CCTV. He talked freely about the historic significance of Jiang's speech and the realistic importance of guidance of Hu's address concerning the continuity, consistency and innovativeness of the policy.

He said Jiang's "eight-point proposal" has made it clear that adhering to the one-China principle is the base and premise of realizing peaceful reunification. Under this condition, any problems can be talked.

The proposal has put forward the initial concept of peace negotiation across the Straits, added a new meaning to cross-Straits economic and cultural exchanges, and intensified the thought of placing hope on the Taiwan people.

It voices the popular will among all the Chinese people to achieve reunification as early as possible. In the 11 years, the speech has accelerated the development of cross-Straits relations and consolidated the consensus of all Chinese people throughout the world, including the Taiwan people, on the country's reunification, Tung said.

On Hu's "four-point guidelines," Tung said it reflects the wisdom and thought of the new generation of the central leadership on developing cross-Straits relations and promoting peaceful reunification by judging the hour, sizing up the situation and advancing along with the passage of time. It shows both the steadfastness on principles and flexibility on specific aspects of the mainland.

Tung said the "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces within the island are obviously unpopular for the present time. More and more Taiwan compatriots earnestly hope the cross-Straits relations could be developed in a peaceful, steady way, and that cooperation and exchanges across the Straits could be expanded.

Tung said the great concept of "one country, two systems," which was originally initiated by Deng Xiaoping to solve the Taiwan issue, has been firstly implemented in Hong Kong and Macao. Its successful implementation in the two places proves the concept is scientific and practical, and has been acknowledged by the international community.

Hong Kong has been playing a key role in bridging cross-Straits relations, Tung said. Taiwan is Hong Kong's fourth largest trading partner and fifth largest export market. It is also the fourth major tourist destination for Hong Kong residents. Over 300 Taiwan companies have set up regional headquarters or representative offices in Hong Kong. More and more Taiwan enterprises choose Hong Kong to go public and for financing. Visitor arrivals from Taiwan to the Chinese mainland through Hong Kong or Macao have reached nearly 40 million since 1988.

"I believe, with the peaceful and steady development of cross-Straits relations, relations between Hong Kong and Taiwan will surely be deepened. Hong Kong will, undoubtedly, further play its unique role in promoting economic integration across the Straits and make contribution to the country's peaceful reunification," Tung said.

Since its return to the motherland in 1997, Hong Kong has been benefiting from exchanges and cooperation with the motherland while maintaining its capitalist system.

When talking about the enormous potential and great prospect of trade cooperation between the mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong, Tung noted the tendency of economic globalization and regionalization, and particularly the economic boom of China have provided a rare opportunity for the world, for Asia, for Hong Kong and Macao, and also for Taiwan.

With the support of the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan have greater advantages, Tung said. The Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) between the mainland and Hong Kong starting Jan. 1, 2004 and the Individual Visit Scheme for mainland residents to visit Hong Kong starting 2003 have played a key role in reviving and boosting the Hong Kong economy.

Now Hong Kong enjoys a rapid economic recovery and its status as international finance, trade and shipping centers has been consolidated, he said.

If the Taiwan authority tightens economic policies across the Straits, the sufferers will be the Taiwan economy and Taiwan people, Tung said. But on the contrary, if the "three direct links" (in mail, transport and trade) could be realized as early as possible, economic and trade cooperation across the Taiwan Straits could be expanded, and Taiwan could make full use of the chance of the mainland's economic boom. It will definitely help Taiwan out of its economic bottom and realize its transformation of the economic mix.

While looking back on the breakthrough in cross-Straits relations in 2005, Tung said Hu's "four-point guidelines" on the development of cross-Straits relations under new circumstances is of strategic significance and deep insight.

In the wake of the speech, Taiwan-based Kuomintang Party Chairman Lien Chan visited the mainland at the invitation of Hu Jintao, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Their official talks set a historic milestone and left a new chapter in cooperation between the Kuomintang and the CPC, which has a significant impact on the development of the cross-Straits relations.

After that, the central government adopted a series of policies in favor of Taiwan compatriots, which have been widely welcomed and acclaimed by Taiwan people, Tung said.

During the year, cross-Straits relations, under the guidance of Hu's "four-point guidelines," are advancing in the direction toward peace and stability. The "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces within the island have become increasingly unpopular.

Tung said that both Jiang and Hu's speeches on the Taiwan issue have placed the one-China principle atop, and that this proves the principle, as the base and premise of developing cross-Straits relations and achieving the country's peaceful reunification, is consistent and will never change.

Tung concluded the interview by saying with emotion the Chinese mainland people and the Taiwan people are bothers and sisters sharing ties of blood. China is the common home for compatriots across the Straits. Peaceful reunification is the common will of the people across the Straits as well as all the Chinese people throughout the world. It will be conducive to peace and development in Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, Asia and the world.

Tung quoted Hu as saying, "Whatever is beneficial to promoting the country's peaceful reunification, we will try our best to do it, and will do it well." It clearly shows the central authorities' sincerity and determination to realize peaceful reunification of the motherland, Tung said.

In another joint interview by the same three media organizations, Tsang Hin Chi, member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, also spoke highly of the feasibility of the principles of peaceful reunification and "one country, two systems."

"Since its return to the motherland eight years ago, Hong Kong has maintained a good development momentum due to the government's governance in accordance with the Basic Law," said Tsang, who is also life honorary chairman of the Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Hong Kong-based Goldlion Holdings Limited.

"Whenever Hong Kong encounters difficulties, the central government has always given unlimited support and help, all aiming to do good to Hong Kong," said Tsang.

"Thanks to the support of the mainland, the Hong Kong economy has maintained a growth rate of 6 percent. Both the city's economy and the Hong Kong people's livelihood have now reached the best level since its return to the motherland," he said.

According to Jiang's "eight-point proposals," the "one country, two systems" principle will give more flexibility to Taiwan than to Hong Kong, noted Tsang, calling on the Taiwan authorities to stop separating Taiwan from China, respond to the "four-point guidelines" set forth by President Hu and come back to the track of the one-China principle.

"I believe the people of Taiwan will feel the sincerity and goodwill from the mainland," said Tsang confidently.

Source: Xinhua