Deputies of China’s Taiwan delegation to the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), the national legislature, has expressed opposition to Taiwan separatist forces and voiced hope for greater exchanges between people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
During a group meeting of the Taiwan delegation on the sidelines of the national legislature's annual session in Beijing on Sunday, the deputies called on Taiwan to join in the efforts of the Chinese mainland to safeguard peace and stability across the Strait.
"The mainland has consistently responded to the shared aspirations of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait for peace, development, exchanges and cooperation, by making active efforts to promote cross-Strait interactions, collaboration and integrated development. Taiwan separatist forces can never stop the historical trend of national reunification. We also hope that our compatriots in Taiwan will work in solidarity with the mainland by firmly opposing the Taiwan secessionists' provocations and the external forces' interference, safeguarding cross-Strait peace and stability, and enhancing cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, so as to jointly create a bright future for cross-Strait relations and national rejuvenation," said Yan Ke, an NPC deputy and vice president of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots.
As for the current challenges facing the cross-Strait tourism, the deputies said the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have been the primary source of obstruction.
"I think the Taiwan authorities likely fear such open exchanges across the Strait. Taiwan faces quite a blockage in information flow and a lot of smearing and slanderous rhetoric [about the exchanges]. But how long could such lies persist? The mainstream public opinion in Taiwan supports exchanges and interactions, hoping that the Taiwan authorities will follow the will of the people and recognize the importance of cross-Strait exchanges. I also hope that in 2025, cross-Strait exchanges will become smoother and that interactions between the compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait will face fewer obstacles," said Chen Yunying, an NPC deputy and also vice president of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots.
NPC deputies from Taiwan hope for greater cross-Strait exchanges, cooperation
NPC deputies from Taiwan hope for greater cross-Strait exchanges, cooperation
NPC deputies from Taiwan hope for greater cross-Strait exchanges, cooperation
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
