New spokesman says five-year plan will expand ties, promote reunification

The Chinese mainland is committed to promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advancing national reunification, as outlined in the recommendations for its new five-year socioeconomic plan.

Peng Qing'en, the newly appointed spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office and director of its economic affairs bureau, stated during his first news conference in Beijing on Wednesday that the mainland will continue to improve the systems and policies that foster cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation. He said efforts will be made to deepen integrated development across the Taiwan Strait, following the guidelines set by the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

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Peng emphasized that the mainland remains firmly committed to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, while resolutely opposing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference.

The plenary session, held from Oct 20 to 23, outlined clear objectives for Taiwan-related work: promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advancing the cause of national reunification.

Although the communique issued after the plenary session did not explicitly mention the concept of peaceful reunification, Peng said the mainland's stance has always been consistent and clear, guided by the principles of the concept and the "one country, two systems" policy.

The new spokesman reiterated that the mainland strives to achieve peaceful reunification and called for joint efforts of compatriots from both sides of the Strait to do so. But he added that the mainland will never renounce the use of force and reserves the option to take all necessary measures to achieve the goal.

According to the "Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development" released on Tuesday, the mainland will deepen cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, and jointly preserve and promote Chinese culture across the Strait.

The mainland will also advance the high-quality development of cross-Strait integrated development demonstration zones, strengthen industrial cooperation and promote economic collaboration across the Strait.

Policies will be implemented to ensure Taiwan compatriots enjoy the same treatment as the mainland residents, creating better conditions for them to study, work and live on the mainland, and enhancing the well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Strait, according to the document.

"We will encourage and support more Taiwan compatriots who wish to participate in the mainland's socioeconomic development plans, sharing opportunities and achievements of Chinese-style modernization," Peng added.

Peng pointed out that the current tension across the Strait stems fundamentally from the Lai Ching-te administration's refusal to recognize the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle and was jointly acknowledged by leaders on both sides of the Strait 33 years ago.

"The Democratic Progressive Party authorities have long smeared and distorted the 1992 Consensus, seriously undermining the shared political foundation of cross-Strait relations, as well as the common interests of compatriots on both sides," he said, adding that cross-Strait relations can improve and develop, and Taiwan compatriots will benefit when the consensus is upheld.

"'Taiwan independence' separatism is fundamentally incompatible with peace across the Strait; only national reunification can guarantee lasting peace and stability for Taiwan," he noted.

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Previously, Peng served as deputy director of the economic affairs bureau as well as director of the Research Center for Cross-Strait Relations. During his tenure, he also temporarily served as vice-mayor of Hefei, Anhui province.

At his debut briefing, Peng said that in his new role, he will promptly and accurately present the mainland's policies and measures regarding Taiwan.

"I will strengthen communication and exchanges with everyone, and work together to enhance mutual understanding between compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait," Peng said.

Contact the writers at lishangyi@chinadaily.com.cn