Deputies from China's Taiwan region have expressed strong support for the Government Work Report presented by Premier Li Qiang at the opening of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) on Wednesday morning.
In separate interviews with China Global Television Network (CGTN), the deputies highlighted their approval of the section in the report addressing the Taiwan question, including national reunification and cross-Strait exchanges.
"When Premier Li moved to the Taiwan question and China's reunification in the report, all the deputies broke into applause," said Zhou Qi, an NPC deputy from Taiwan.
Deputies from Taiwan also expressed their confidence in the consistency and continuity of the central government's Taiwan policy, which was underscored in Premier Li's report. "We can feel the policy consistency about Taiwan, plus the greater determination to promote exchanges and integration [between Taiwan and the mainland], as well as the stronger resolve to oppose separatism and external interference. We will strive to strength exchanges across the Taiwan Strait," said Zeng Liqun, another NPC deputy from Taiwan.
Deputy Li Xingkui from Taiwan highlighted the broad room for deepening cross-Strait exchanges.
"Currently, there is still considerable room for further deepening and expanding educational exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait," said Li.
He added vocational schools on both sides of the Strait have a strong desire to carry out such exchanges.
"I noticed that this report mentioned strengthening economic and cultural exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, and it emphasized the need to raise it to a higher level," said Deputy Lin Qing from Taiwan.
Lin added direct exchanges will link the hearts and improve the well-being of people on both sides of the Strait.
NPC deputies from Taiwan express support for Premier Li's government work report
A Chinese envoy on Friday called on factions in Syria to advance an inclusive political process and alleviate the humanitarian crisis, noting that the current situation in the country remains fragile.
Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said at a UN Security Council meeting that advancing an inclusive political process is key to resolving the Syrian issue. China hopes that factions in Syria will uphold the ceasefire and integration agreement reached and restore stability as soon as possible, he said.
"We welcome the efforts made by the Syrian transitional government to protect the rights of ethnic minority groups. We hope that factions in Syria will adhere to the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned principle, engage in inclusive dialogue, and advance the political reconciliation process," Fu said.
He stated that countering terrorism is a prerequisite for maintaining security. Terrorist forces remain active in Syria, posing a serious threat to the security and stability of the country and the entire region.
The evolving situation in northeastern Syria has given rise to security risks involving extremist group terrorists, causing widespread concern within the international community. Fu noted that facilities holding terrorists and the Al-Hol camp should receive high attention and be properly managed.
The Chinese envoy also stressed that alleviating the humanitarian crisis is urgent for improving the living conditions of the Syrian people.
"The humanitarian situation in Syria is dire, with 16.5 million people in urgent need of humanitarian aid. Hundreds of thousands of people in the northeastern region have been displaced and are struggling in freezing cold and torrential rain. The international community, especially traditional donors, should increase humanitarian assistance in Syria and ensure that UN agencies and other humanitarian organizations receive adequate financial support. All parties need to help Syria recover and develop its economy in order to fundamentally address the root causes of its humanitarian plight and instability," Fu said.
Fu also pointed out that the situation in Syria is closely linked to that in the Middle East. The Golan Heights are recognized by the international community as occupied Syrian territory, and the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement should be observed. Israel should withdraw from Syrian territory as soon as possible.
He emphasized that China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role in helping Syria achieve security, stability, and development at an early date.
Chinese envoy urges political process, humanitarian aid in Syria
