為實現民族偉大复興 推進祖國和平統一而共同奮斗
——在《告台灣同胞書》發表40周年紀念會上的講話


習近平



同志們,同胞們,朋友們:

  今天,我們在這里隆重集會,紀念全國人民代表大會常務委員會《告台灣同胞
書》發表40周年。值此新年之際,我代表祖國大陸人民,向廣大台灣同胞致以誠摯
的問候和衷心的祝福!

  海峽兩岸分隔已屆70年。台灣問題的產生和演變同近代以來中華民族命運休戚
相關。1840年鴉片戰爭之后,西方列強入侵,中國陷入內憂外患、山河破碎的悲慘
境地,台灣更是被外族侵占長達半個世紀。為戰胜外來侵略、爭取民族解放、實現
國家統一,中華儿女前仆后繼,進行了可歌可泣的斗爭。台灣同胞在這場斗爭中作
出了重要貢獻。1945年,中國人民同世界各國人民一道,取得了中國人民抗日戰爭
暨世界反法西斯戰爭的偉大胜利,台灣隨之光复,重回祖國怀抱。其后不久,由于
中國內戰延續和外部勢力干涉,海峽兩岸陷入長期政治對立的特殊狀態。

  1949年以來,中國共產党、中國政府、中國人民始終把解決台灣問題、實現祖
國完全統一作為矢志不渝的歷史任務。我們團結台灣同胞,推動台海形勢從緊張對
峙走向緩和改善、進而走上和平發展道路,兩岸關系不斷取得突破性進展。

  ——70年來,我們順應兩岸同胞共同愿望,推動打破兩岸隔絕狀態,實現全面
直接雙向“三通”,開啟兩岸同胞大交流大交往大合作局面,兩岸交流合作日益廣
泛,相互往來日益密切,彼此心靈日益契合。台灣同胞為祖國大陸改革開放作出重
大貢獻,也分享了大陸發展机遇。

  ——70年來,我們秉持求同存异精神,推動兩岸雙方在一個中國原則基礎上達
成“海峽兩岸同屬一個中國,共同努力謀求國家統一”的“九二共識”,開啟兩岸
協商談判,推進兩岸政党党際交流,開辟兩岸關系和平發展道路,實現兩岸領導人
歷史性會晤,使兩岸政治互動達到新高度。

  ——70年來,我們把握兩岸關系發展時代變化,提出和平解決台灣問題的政策
主張和“一國兩制”科學构想,确立了“和平統一、一國兩制”基本方針,進而形
成了堅持“一國兩制”和推進祖國統一基本方略,回答了新時代推動兩岸關系和平
發展、團結台灣同胞共同致力于實現民族偉大复興和祖國和平統一的時代命題。

  ——70年來,我們高舉和平、發展、合作、共贏的旗幟,在和平共處五項原則
基礎上發展同各國的友好合作,鞏固國際社會堅持一個中國原則的格局,越來越多
國家和人民理解和支持中國統一事業。

  ——70年來,我們始終著眼于中華民族整体利益和長遠利益,堅定維護國家主
權和領土完整,團結全体中華儿女,堅決挫敗各种制造“兩個中國”、“一中一台”、
“台灣獨立”的圖謀,取得一系列反“台獨”、反分裂斗爭的重大胜利。

  兩岸關系發展歷程證明:台灣是中國一部分、兩岸同屬一個中國的歷史和法理
事實,是任何人任何勢力都無法改變的!兩岸同胞都是中國人,血濃于水、守望相
助的天然情感和民族認同,是任何人任何勢力都無法改變的!台海形勢走向和平穩
定、兩岸關系向前發展的時代潮流,是任何人任何勢力都無法阻擋的!國家強大、
民族复興、兩岸統一的歷史大勢,更是任何人任何勢力都無法阻擋的!

  同志們、同胞們、朋友們!

  回顧歷史,是為了啟迪今天、昭示明天。祖國必須統一,也必然統一。這是70載
兩岸關系發展歷程的歷史定論,也是新時代中華民族偉大复興的必然要求。兩岸中
國人、海內外中華儿女理應共擔民族大義、順應歷史大勢,共同推動兩岸關系和平
發展、推進祖國和平統一進程。

  第一,攜手推動民族复興,實現和平統一目標。民族复興、國家統一是大勢所
趨、大義所在、民心所向。一水之隔、咫尺天涯,兩岸迄今尚未完全統一是歷史遺
留給中華民族的創傷。兩岸中國人應該共同努力謀求國家統一,撫平歷史創傷。廣
大台灣同胞都是中華民族一分子,要做堂堂正正的中國人,認真思考台灣在民族复
興中的地位和作用,把促進國家完全統一、共謀民族偉大复興作為無上光榮的事業。

  台灣前途在于國家統一,台灣同胞福祉系于民族复興。兩岸關系和平發展是維
護兩岸和平、促進兩岸共同發展、造福兩岸同胞的正确道路。兩岸關系和平發展要
兩岸同胞共同推動,靠兩岸同胞共同維護,由兩岸同胞共同分享。中國夢是兩岸同
胞共同的夢,民族复興、國家強盛,兩岸中國人才能過上富足美好的生活。在中華
民族走向偉大复興的進程中,台灣同胞定然不會缺席。兩岸同胞要攜手同心,共圓
中國夢,共擔民族复興的責任,共享民族复興的榮耀。台灣問題因民族弱亂而產生,
必將隨著民族复興而終結!

  第二,探索“兩制”台灣方案,丰富和平統一實踐。“和平統一、一國兩制”
是實現國家統一的最佳方式,体現了海納百川、有容乃大的中華智慧,既充分考慮
台灣現實情況,又有利于統一后台灣長治久安。

  制度不同,不是統一的障礙,更不是分裂的借口。“一國兩制”的提出,本來
就是為了照顧台灣現實情況,維護台灣同胞利益福祉。“一國兩制”在台灣的具体
實現形式會充分考慮台灣現實情況,會充分吸收兩岸各界意見和建議,會充分照顧
到台灣同胞利益和感情。在确保國家主權、安全、發展利益的前提下,和平統一后,
台灣同胞的社會制度和生活方式等將得到充分尊重,台灣同胞的私人財產、宗教信
仰、合法權益將得到充分保障。

  兩岸同胞是一家人,兩岸的事是兩岸同胞的家里事,當然也應該由家里人商量
著辦。和平統一,是平等協商、共議統一。兩岸長期存在的政治分歧問題是影響兩
岸關系行穩致遠的總根子,總不能一代一代傳下去。兩岸雙方應該本著對民族、對
后世負責的態度,凝聚智慧,發揮創意,聚同化异,爭取早日解決政治對立,實現
台海持久和平,達成國家統一愿景,讓我們的子孫后代在祥和、安宁、繁榮、尊嚴
的共同家園中生活成長。

  在一個中國原則基礎上,台灣任何政党、團体同我們的交往都不存在障礙。以
對話取代對抗、以合作取代爭斗、以雙贏取代零和,兩岸關系才能行穩致遠。我們
愿意同台灣各党派、團体和人士就兩岸政治問題和推進祖國和平統一進程的有關問
題開展對話溝通,廣泛交換意見,尋求社會共識,推進政治談判。

  我們鄭重倡議,在堅持“九二共識”、反對“台獨”的共同政治基礎上,兩岸
各政党、各界別推舉代表性人士,就兩岸關系和民族未來開展廣泛深入的民主協商,
就推動兩岸關系和平發展達成制度性安排。

  第三,堅持一個中國原則,維護和平統一前景。盡管海峽兩岸尚未完全統一,
但中國主權和領土從未分割,大陸和台灣同屬一個中國的事實從未改變。一個中國
原則是兩岸關系的政治基礎。堅持一個中國原則,兩岸關系就能改善和發展,台灣
同胞就能受益。背离一個中國原則,就會導致兩岸關系緊張動蕩,損害台灣同胞切
身利益。

  統一是歷史大勢,是正道。“台獨”是歷史逆流,是絕路。廣大台灣同胞具有
光榮的愛國主義傳統,是我們的骨肉天親。我們堅持寄希望于台灣人民的方針,一
如既往尊重台灣同胞、關愛台灣同胞、團結台灣同胞、依靠台灣同胞,全心全意為
台灣同胞辦實事、做好事、解難事。廣大台灣同胞不分党派、不分宗教、不分階層、
不分軍民、不分地域,都要認清“台獨”只會給台灣帶來深重禍害,堅決反對“台
獨”分裂,共同追求和平統一的光明前景。我們愿意為和平統一創造廣闊空間,但
絕不為各种形式的“台獨”分裂活動留下任何空間。

  中國人不打中國人。我們愿意以最大誠意、盡最大努力爭取和平統一的前景,
因為以和平方式實現統一,對兩岸同胞和全民族最有利。我們不承諾放棄使用武力,
保留采取一切必要措施的選項,針對的是外部勢力干涉和极少數“台獨”分裂分子
及其分裂活動,絕非針對台灣同胞。兩岸同胞要共謀和平、共護和平、共享和平。

  第四,深化兩岸融合發展,夯實和平統一基礎。兩岸同胞血脈相連。親望親好,
中國人要幫中國人。我們對台灣同胞一視同仁,將繼續率先同台灣同胞分享大陸發
展机遇,為台灣同胞台灣企業提供同等待遇,讓大家有更多獲得感。和平統一之后,
台灣將永保太平,民眾將安居樂業。有強大祖國做依靠,台灣同胞的民生福祉會更
好,發展空間會更大,在國際上腰杆會更硬、底气會更足,更加安全、更有尊嚴。

  我們要積极推進兩岸經濟合作制度化,打造兩岸共同市場,為發展增動力,為
合作添活力,壯大中華民族經濟。兩岸要應通盡通,提升經貿合作暢通、基礎設施
聯通、能源資源互通、行業標准共通,可以率先實現金門、馬祖同福建沿海地區通
水、通電、通气、通橋。要推動兩岸文化教育、醫療衛生合作,社會保障和公共資
源共享,支持兩岸鄰近或條件相當地區基本公共服務均等化、普惠化、便捷化。

  第五,實現同胞心靈契合,增進和平統一認同。國家之魂,文以化之,文以鑄
之。兩岸同胞同根同源、同文同种,中華文化是兩岸同胞心靈的根脈和歸屬。人之
相交,貴在知心。不管遭遇多少干扰阻礙,兩岸同胞交流合作不能停、不能斷、不
能少。

  兩岸同胞要共同傳承中華优秀傳統文化,推動其實現創造性轉化、創新性發展。
兩岸同胞要交流互鑒、對話包容,推己及人、將心比心,加深相互理解,增進互信
認同。要秉持同胞情、同理心,以正确的歷史觀、民族觀、國家觀化育后人,弘揚
偉大民族精神。親人之間,沒有解不開的心結。久久為功,必定能達到兩岸同胞心
靈契合。

  支持和追求國家統一是民族大義,應該得到全民族肯定。偉大祖國永遠是所有
愛國統一力量的堅強后盾!我們真誠希望所有台灣同胞,像珍視自己的眼睛一樣珍
視和平,像追求人生的幸福一樣追求統一,積极參与到推進祖國和平統一的正義事
業中來。

  國家的希望、民族的未來在青年。兩岸青年要勇擔重任、團結友愛、攜手打拼。
我們熱忱歡迎台灣青年來祖國大陸追夢、筑夢、圓夢。兩岸中國人要精誠團結,攜
手同心,為同胞謀福祉,為民族創未來!

  同志們、同胞們、朋友們!

  長期以來,香港同胞、澳門同胞和海外僑胞關心支持祖國統一大業,作出了積
极貢獻。希望香港同胞、澳門同胞和海外僑胞一如既往,為推動兩岸關系和平發展、
實現祖國和平統一再立新功。

  同志們、同胞們、朋友們!

  世界上只有一個中國,堅持一個中國原則是公認的國際關系准則,是國際社會
普遍共識。國際社會廣泛理解和支持中國人民反對“台獨”分裂活動、爭取完成國
家統一的正義事業。中國政府對此表示贊賞和感謝。中國人的事要由中國人來決定。
台灣問題是中國的內政,事關中國核心利益和中國人民民族感情,不容任何外來干
涉。

  中國的統一,不會損害任何國家的正當利益包括其在台灣的經濟利益,只會給
各國帶來更多發展机遇,只會給亞太地區和世界繁榮穩定注入更多正能量,只會為
构建人類命運共同体、為世界和平發展和人類進步事業作出更大貢獻。

  同志們、同胞們、朋友們!

  歷史不能選擇,現在可以把握,未來可以開創!新時代是中華民族大發展大作
為的時代,也是兩岸同胞大發展大作為的時代。前進道路不可能一帆風順,但只要
我們和衷共濟、共同奮斗,就一定能夠共創中華民族偉大复興美好未來,就一定能
夠完成祖國統一大業!

Working Together to Realize Rejuvenation
of the Chinese Nation
and Advance China’s Peaceful Reunification

Speech at the Meeting Marking the 40th Anniversary of
the Issuance of the Message to Compatriots in Taiwan
January 2, 2019

Xi Jinping

Comrades, my compatriots, and friends,

  Today, we are meeting here to solemnly commemorate the 40th anniversary 
of the issuance of the Message to Compatriots in Taiwan by the Standing 
Committee of the National People’s Congress. As a new year begins, on behalf 
of the people on the mainland, I extend sincere greetings and best wishes 
to our compatriots in Taiwan.

  It has been 70 years since Taiwan and the mainland were separated. The 
emergence and evolution of the Taiwan question has, since China entered 
the modern times, been inextricably interwoven with the history of the Chinese 
nation. The Opium War of 1840 and ensuing wars of aggression launched by 
Western powers plunged China into an anguished state of turmoil and foreign 
threat, with its lands torn apart, and Taiwan fell under foreign occupation 
that was to last half a century. Wave upon wave, the Chinese people were 
engaged in an epic struggle to resist foreign invasion, liberate the Chinese 
nation, and realize the country’s reunification. Our compatriots in Taiwan 
made a huge contribution to this struggle. In 1945, together with peoples 
around the world, the Chinese people won victory in the War of Resistance 
against Japanese Aggression, a part of the global War against Fascism. Taiwan 
was thus recovered and returned to China. It was not long, however, before 
the two sides of the Taiwan Straits fell into a special state of protracted 
political confrontation due to the civil war in China and the interference 
of foreign forces.

  Since 1949, the Communist Party of China, the Chinese government, and 
the Chinese people have endeavored to pursue the historic mission of resolving 
the Taiwan question and realizing China’s complete reunification. Working 
with our compatriots in Taiwan, we have de-escalated tense confrontation 
across the Taiwan Straits, improved cross-Straits relations, and set out 
on a path of peaceful development and continually made breakthroughs in 
cross-Straits relations.

  Over the past 70 years, we have, responding to the longing of people 
on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, ended the absence of contact between 
the two sides. We have achieved overall direct two-way “three links” (mail,
 business and transport) and have initiated substantial exchanges, communication,
 and cooperation between the two sides. Cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation 
have steadily expanded and grown increasingly closer, and mutual affinity 
has deepened. Our compatriots in Taiwan have made a major contribution to 
the mainland’s reform and opening up and they in turn have also shared the 
mainland’s development opportunities.

  Over the past 70 years, we have, acting in a spirit of seeking common 
ground while setting aside differences and on the basis of the one-China 
principle, enabled the two sides to reach the “1992 Consensus” that 
“both sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to one China and will work together 
toward national reunification.” The two sides have thus initiated consultations 
and negotiation and promoted cross-Straits party-to-party exchanges. We 
have opened up a path for promoting the peaceful development of cross-Straits 
relations and realized a historic meeting between leaders of both sides, 
thus elevating cross-Straits political interactions to a new height.

  Over the past 70 years, we have, keeping in mind the changes over time 
in the growth of cross-Straits relations, proposed the policy of seeking 
a peaceful solution to the Taiwan question and the well-conceived concept 
of “one country, two systems”, and established the fundamental guideline 
of “peaceful reunification and one country, two systems”. On this basis, 
we have formulated a fundamental strategy of upholding the principle of 
“one country, two systems” and promoting national reunification. With this 
we have responded to the call of our time, namely, to promote, in the new 
era, the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations and unite our compatriots 
in Taiwan to strive for our country’s rejuvenation and peaceful reunification.

  Over the past 70 years, we have, holding high the banner of peace, development,
 cooperation, and mutual benefit, and on the basis of the Five Principles 
of Peaceful Coexistence, forged friendship and strengthened cooperation 
with other countries and consolidated the international community’s commitment 
to the one-China principle. More and more countries and people have gained 
a better understanding of National reunification endeavor and given their 
support to it.

  Over the past 70 years, we have, bearing in mind the overall and long-term 
interests of the Chinese nation, stood firm in safeguarding China’s sovereignty 
and territorial integrity. Rallying all the Chinese people around us, we 
have resolutely defeated all attempts to create “two Chinas,” “one China, 
one Taiwan,” or “Taiwan independence,” and have achieved major victories 
in the fight against the separatist activities for “Taiwan independence”

  As the evolution of cross-Straits relations attests, the historical 
and legal fact that Taiwan is part of China and the two sides belong to 
one and same China can never be changed by any force or anyone. We people 
on both sides of the Taiwan Straits are Chinese and share a natural affinity 
and national identity built of kinship and mutual assistance, a fact that 
can never be altered by any force or anyone. The tide of our times — the 
cross-Straits situation moving toward peace and stability and cross-Straits 
relations continuing to move forward — is a tide that cannot be stopped 
by any force or anyone. The historical trend toward a stronger China, national 
rejuvenation, and reunification cannot be stopped by any force or anyone!

  Comrades, my compatriots, and friends,

  By reviewing the past, we can draw inspiration for both the present 
and the future. Our country must be reunified, and will surely be reunified. 
This is a historical conclusion drawn from the evolution of cross-Straits 
relations over the past seven decades; it is also critical to the rejuvenation 
of the Chinese nation in the new era. We Chinese on both sides of the Straits,
 all of us Chinese at home and abroad, should jointly uphold the national 
interest, follow the historical trend, and work together for the peaceful 
development of cross-Straits relations and China’s peaceful reunification.

  First, we should work together to promote China’s rejuvenation and 
achieve its peaceful reunification.

  The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and reunification of our country 
are a surging popular trend. It is where the greater national interest lies, 
and it is what the people desire. We face each other just across a strip 
of water, yet our two sides are still far apart. The fact that until now, 
we have not yet been reunified is a wound left by history on the Chinese 
nation. We Chinese on both sides should work together to achieve reunification 
and heal this wound. All our compatriots in Taiwan are members of the Chinese 
nation and should be proud of their Chinese identity, fully consider the 
position and role of Taiwan in national rejuvenation and pursue both the 
complete reunification and rejuvenation of China as an honorable cause.

  The future of Taiwan lies in national reunification and the wellbeing 
of the people in Taiwan hinges on the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. 
The peaceful development of cross-Straits relations is the right path for 
safeguarding peace, promoting common development and benefiting people on 
both sides. Thus, the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations is 
something people on both sides should jointly promote, safeguard, and enjoy. 
The Chinese Dream is a dream shared by people on both sides of the Taiwan 
Straits; only China’s rejuvenation and prosperity can deliver a life of 
plenty and happiness to us Chinese on both sides. As the Chinese nation 
moves toward rejuvenation, our compatriots in Taiwan will certainly not 
miss out. We people on both sides should join hands to fulfill the Chinese 
Dream, shoulder the responsibility and share the glory of national rejuvenation.
 The Taiwan question originated in a weak and ravaged China, and it will 
definitely end with China’s rejuvenation!

  Second, we should explore a “two systems” solution to the Taiwan question 
and enrich practical efforts toward peaceful reunification.

  The concept of “peaceful reunification and one country, two systems”
 is the best approach to realizing national reunification. It embodies the 
Chinese wisdom that we thrive by embracing each other, gives full account 
to Taiwan’s reality and is conducive to the long-term stability in Taiwan 
after reunification.

  Difference in systems is not an obstacle to reunification; it is certainly 
no excuse for separation. The principle of “one country, two systems” 
was proposed precisely to accommodate Taiwan’s actual conditions and to 
safeguard the interests and wellbeing of our compatriots in Taiwan. In terms 
of how the principle should be carried out in Taiwan, we will fully consider 
Taiwan’s reality, give full consideration to the views and proposals from 
all walks of life on both sides and fully accommodate the interests and sentiments 
of our compatriots in Taiwan. Provided that China’s sovereignty, security, 
and development interests are ensured, after peaceful reunification, Taiwan’
s social system and its way of life will be fully respected, and the private 
property, religious beliefs, and lawful rights and interests of our compatriots 
in Taiwan will be fully protected.

  We people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits are of one family; issues 
between our two sides are domestic affairs, which, as such, should naturally 
be discussed and resolved by family members. Peaceful reunification means 
achieving it through consultation and discussion as equals. The long-standing 
political differences between the two sides are the root cause that affects 
the steady growth of cross-Straits relations, but we should not allow this 
problem to be passed down from one generation to the next. We both sides 
must live up to our responsibility to our nation and to future generations; 
we should put our heads together, show creativity, and reduce difference 
and seek common ground. Doing so will enable us to resolve the political 
antagonism at an early date, ensure lasting peace across the Taiwan Straits, 
and agree on a vision for national reunification, so that our future generations 
can live and grow up in a shared home with peace, stability, prosperity, 
and dignity.

  On the basis of adhering to the one-China principle, there will be no 
obstacles in exchanges between political parties and groups in Taiwan and 
the mainland. Only when dialogue replaces confrontation, cooperation replaces 
disputes, and win-win mindset replaces zero-sum mentality, will cross-Straits 
relations move steadily and progress far. We are willing to engage in broad 
exchanges of views with all parties, groups, or individuals in Taiwan regarding 
political issues between the two sides and the promotion of China’s peaceful 
reunification, in order to forge social consensus and advance political 
negotiation.

  Here we wish to make a solemn proposal: on the common political foundation 
of adhering to the “1992 Consensus” and opposing “Taiwan independence,”
 all political parties and all sectors of society on both sides recommend 
representatives who will engage in extensive and in-depth democratic consultations 
on cross-Straits relations and the future of the nation and work toward 
institutional arrangements for promoting the peaceful development of cross-Straits 
relations.

  Third, we should adhere to the one-China principle and ensure the prospects 
for peaceful reunification.

  Although our two sides have yet to be reunified, the sovereignty and 
territory of China has never been severed and the fact that the mainland 
and Taiwan belong to one and same China has never changed. The one-China 
principle is the political foundation of cross-Straits relations. When we 
adhere to this principle, cross-Straits relations will improve and grow 
and our compatriots in Taiwan will benefit. However, if we deviate from it, 
cross-Straits relations will become strained and volatile, and the interests 
of our compatriots in Taiwan will be harmed.

  China’s reunification is a historical trend and the right path, while 
“Taiwan independence” goes against the tide of history, and it is a path 
to nowhere. Our compatriots in Taiwan have a glorious patriotic tradition 
and share a close kinship with us. We remain committed to the principle 
of placing our hopes on the people of Taiwan. We will continue, as ever, 
to respect, care about, work with, and rely on them, and we will do our 
utmost to help them overcome difficulties and meet their needs. Our compatriots 
in Taiwan, regardless of political affiliation, religious belief, social 
status, or origin of birth, whether civilian or military: You must see that 
“Taiwan independence” will only bring disaster. You should resolutely 
oppose “Taiwan independence” and join hands with us to pursue the bright 
prospects of peaceful reunification. We are willing to create vast space 
for peaceful reunification; but we will definitely not leave any room for 
separatist activities aimed at “Taiwan independence” in any form.

  We Chinese should not fight each other. We will work with the greatest 
sincerity and exert utmost efforts to achieve peaceful reunification, because 
this works best for the people on both sides and for our whole nation. We 
do not renounce the use of force and reserve the option of taking all necessary 
measures. This is to guard against external interference and a tiny number 
of separatists and their separatist activities for “Taiwan independence”
. It does in no way target our compatriots in Taiwan. We people on both sides 
should work together to pursue peace, protect peace, and enjoy peace.

  Fourth, we should deepen integrated development of the two sides and 
cement the foundation for peaceful reunification.

  People on both sides of the Taiwan Straits share the bonds of kinship. 
Just as loved ones wish each other well, we Chinese should help each other. 
We treat our compatriots in Taiwan as equals, and will continue paving the 
way for them to share first the mainland’s development opportunities and 
ensure that our compatriots and enterprises from Taiwan receive the same 
treatment as those from the mainland, thus giving them a greater sense of 
fulfillment. After the peaceful reunification, Taiwan will enjoy lasting 
peace and the people there will live in peace and contentment. Backed by 
a strong motherland, our compatriots in Taiwan will enjoy better life, have 
more opportunities for development, and they will have stronger confidence, 
greater sense of security and dignity in the international community.

  We should take active steps to institutionalize cross-Straits economic 
cooperation and create a common market for the two sides, so as to increase 
momentum for development and vitality of cooperation and strengthen the 
economy of the Chinese nation. We on the two sides should promote connectivity 
wherever necessary, including trade and economic cooperation, infrastructure 
building, energy and resources development, and sharing industrial standards.
 We can start by supplies of water, electricity, gas, and construction of 
sea-crossing bridges from coastal areas in Fujian province to Kinmen and 
Mazu in Taiwan. We should promote cooperation in culture, education, and 
healthcare, and the sharing of social security and public resources, and 
we should support neighboring areas or areas with similar conditions on 
the two sides in providing equal, universal, and accessible basic public 
services.

  Fifth, we should forge closer bonds of heart and mind between people 
on both sides and strengthen our joint commitment to peaceful reunification.

  The soul of a nation is molded and cast by its culture. We on the mainland 
and in Taiwan share the same roots, culture, and ethnic identity; it is 
Chinese culture that has instilled vitality in us and given us a sense of 
belonging. The key to kinship lies in mutual understanding. No matter the 
extent of interference and obstructions we may encounter, exchanges and 
cooperation between our people on both sides must never be diminished, suspended,
 or stopped.

  We people on both sides should together pass on the fine traditional 
Chinese culture and promote its evolution and growth in new and creative 
ways. We should engage in exchanges and mutual learning, promote dialogue 
and inclusiveness, enhance empathy, deepen mutual understanding, strengthen 
mutual trust, and increase our shared sense of identity. We should maintain 
our bonds of kinship and shared values, adhere to the right approach to 
our history, our nation, and our country in raising awareness of younger 
generations, and keep alive the great spirit of our nation. Between loved 
ones, there is no knot of perception that cannot be untied. With perseverance,
 we are sure to forge closer bonds of heart and mind between people on both 
sides.

  Supporting and pursuing reunification is a righteous cause of the Chinese 
nation, and this commitment should be recognized by all of us Chinese. Our 
great country will always stand firm behind patriots working for reunification.
 It is our sincere hope that all our compatriots in Taiwan will treasure 
peace as they do the gift of sight, pursue reunification with the same zeal 
with which they pursue a better life, and play an active part in advancing 
the just cause of China’s peaceful reunification.

  The young are the hope of the country and the future of the nation. 
Young people on both sides should shoulder responsibility, forge solidarity 
and friendship, and work together for a better future. Young people from 
Taiwan are welcome to pursue and fulfill their dreams on the mainland. We 
Chinese on both sides must be united and work together to seek happiness 
for ourselves and create a bright future for our nation.

  Comrades, my compatriots, and friends,

  Over the years, our compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao, and overseas have 
shown understanding for and supported the great cause of reunification, 
and have made a positive contribution to this cause. I hope that they will 
remain committed and further contribute to the peaceful development of cross-
Straits relations and China’s peaceful reunification.

  Comrades, my compatriots, and friends,

  There is only one China in the world. The one-China principle is a generally 
recognized norm in international relations, and it represents a general 
consensus of the international community. The international community has 
extended understanding and support for the Chinese people’s just cause 
of opposing “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and striving for 
national reunification; the Chinese government expresses its appreciation 
and gratitude for such understanding and support. The affairs of us Chinese 
must be decided by ourselves. The Taiwan question is an internal affair that 
involves China’s core interests and the Chinese people’s national sentiments,
 and no external interference in this issue will be tolerated.

  China’s reunification will not harm any other country’s legitimate 
interests, including its economic interests in Taiwan. On the contrary, 
it will bring the world more opportunities for development, create more 
positive momentum for the prosperity and stability of the Asia Pacific and 
the rest of the world. Indeed, it will make greater contribution to building 
a community with a shared future for mankind, to the cause of global peace 
and development, and to the cause of human progress.

  Comrades, my compatriots, and friends,

  We cannot choose our history, but we can steer the current course and 
shape the future. The new era is an era for the Chinese nation to achieve 
major development and make major accomplishment; it is also an era for the 
people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits to achieve major development 
and make major accomplishment. The path ahead may not be all smooth, but 
when we stand and work together, we can surely create a promising future 
for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and we can surely achieve the 
great cause of national reunification!  


National Association for China's Peaceful Unification, Washington D.C., USA. All rights reserved.