Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, on Friday called for enhanced cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, stressing the importance of mutual appreciation, mutual respect and mutual learning in consolidating peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Cheng is leading a KMT delegation to visit the mainland at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee. Xi on Friday morning met with Cheng in Beijing.
It is the first time in a decade that a KMT chairperson has led a delegation to the mainland.
Speaking at a press conference held by the delegation, Cheng said she was impressed with a speech delivered by Xi, noting that as long as the two sides adhere to the 1992 Consensus and oppose Taiwan secession, they can engage in exchanges and dialogue.
"In fact, it's easy to see that upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing separatist activities does not require Taiwan to sacrifice anything, nor does it require Taiwan to give up anything. Then we can see spring blossoms, and smiles on faces of the people on both sides who reach out to shake hands while sitting at the table to engage in exchanges and dialogues. Concerning how we should avoid war and tragedy through upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing separatist activities, and work together to forge peace in order to seek the greatest well-being for the people, I think this should be a shared expectation and wish of any people who are sane," Cheng said.
At the meeting with Cheng, Xi noted that the compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share the same roots, the same culture and ethnicity, and are one family bound by blood. They are a community with a shared future in which they share weal and woe.
When a family gets along, as long as they have calm discussions on matters of concern, there will be no conflicts or differences that cannot be resolved, he said, stressing that differences in social systems should not be an excuse for secession.
"I think this is a very significant goodwill gesture. We should pragmatically face the fact that there are many differences across the Strait following the long-term historical development of the two sides. Yet, the achievements made by Taiwan and the mainland are both great and successful accomplishment made by the Chinese nation. We need to appreciate each other, respect each other, and even learn from each other, as there will be greater chance for cooperation in the future," Cheng said at the press conference.
The KMT delegation's mainland visit began on Tuesday and will run through Sunday.
KMT chairwoman calls for cross-Strait dialogue, cooperation based on 1992 Consensus
