CPC willing to further enhance exchanges with KMT on basis of 1992 Consensus: spokesman

The Communist Party of China (CPC) is willing to continue enhancing exchanges and interactions with the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party on the basis of upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing Taiwan secession, a spokesman said Thursday.

Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks at a press briefing when commenting on the outcomes of a think tank forum between the CPC and the KMT held in Beijing on Tuesday.

"General Secretary Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message in October last year to Cheng Li-wun on her election as chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, pointing out the direction for the future development of relations between the two parties and across the Taiwan Strait. Cheng replied promptly. Holding the CPC-KMT think tank forum is a concrete measure to implement the spirit of the exchange of congratulatory messages between the leaders of the two parties," said Chen.

"Focusing on industrial development and people's well-being, the forum put forward a series of specific proposals, demonstrating the sense of responsibility of both parties to seek peace across the Taiwan Strait, well-being for compatriots, and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation. The two parties have resumed institutionalized exchanges after a hiatus of 10 years, which is of great significance and has yielded notable results. Going forward, we will continue to strengthen exchanges and interactions with the KMT on the common political foundation of upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing Taiwan secession, maintain positive interaction, jointly promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and work together to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," said Chen.

The forum, themed "Prospects for Cross-Strait Exchange and Cooperation," was attended by more than 100 participants from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, including think tank members of the CPC and the KMT, as well as representatives and experts from various fields.

CPC willing to further enhance exchanges with KMT on basis of 1992 Consensus: spokesman

CPC willing to further enhance exchanges with KMT on basis of 1992 Consensus: spokesman

CPC willing to further enhance exchanges with KMT on basis of 1992 Consensus: spokesman

CPC willing to further enhance exchanges with KMT on basis of 1992 Consensus: spokesman

Some Japanese people said on Thursday that the government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi must firmly uphold the pacifist constitution.

Their remarks came after French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Japan from Tuesday to Thursday.

Attending a joint press conference with Takaichi on Wednesday, Macron emphasized that France and Japan have agreed on the importance of on the importance of quickly de-escalating the conflict in the Middle East and upholding international law.

Many saw this as a response to a strongly worded post by U.S. President Donald Trump on social media, which criticized France for refusing to cooperate with the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Some locals in Tokyo expressed their opposition to Japan's involvement in any war, but said Japan could offer help when the conflict in the Middle East ends.

"I think that Prime Minister Takaichi could offer support, provided that we wouldn't get involved in an armed conflict, such as minesweeping operations at sea, as Japan has the best minesweeping technology in the world," said a resident in Tokyo.

"I'm not entirely sure what consequences will follow Trump's demands. There may be additional tariffs, among other things. Our constitution prohibits [Japan's] from getting involved in war, and Prime Minister Takaichi should uphold this principle," said another resident.

Tokyo residents urge PM Takaichi to uphold pacifist constitution