Xi’s remarks underscore CPC’s firm, consistent stance on Taiwan question, experts say

Remarks by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Taiwan during the July 1 grand gathering marking the 105th founding anniversary of the CPC reflected the Party’s consistent approach to resolving the Taiwan question and underscored its unwavering commitment to achieving China’s complete reunification, experts said.

Xi, who is also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said in his speech that resolving the Taiwan question and realizing China’s complete reunification are a historic mission and an unshakable commitment of the CPC, and are also the shared aspiration of all Chinese people.

He reaffirmed adherence to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, while emphasizing the importance of uniting with Taiwan compatriots. Xi also called for deeper cross-Strait exchanges and integrated development, resolute efforts to combat “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, opposition to external interference, and the steadfast advancement of the cause of national reunification.

On July 2, Zhu Fenglian, a spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a news conference that Xi’s remarks reflected sincerity and goodwill in uniting Taiwan compatriots and advancing cross-Strait exchanges, cooperation and integrated development.

She said that the remarks also conveyed a firm determination to combat “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and oppose external interference, while underscoring a strong commitment to advancing the cause of China’s reunification.

“We will fully implement the Party’s overall strategy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era, unite with Taiwan compatriots and work together to promote the peaceful and integrated development of cross-Strait relations, creating a bright future of national reunification and national rejuvenation,” Zhu said.

Experts noted that Xi’s remarks highlighted the CPC’s firm stance on the Taiwan question.

Zheng Jian, a professor of Taiwan studies at Xiamen University, said that the repeated emphasis on the CPC’s historic mission of achieving complete reunification reflects strategic confidence and resolve in the current situation in the Taiwan Strait, while also indicating that the process of national reunification is already underway.

Zheng noted that the speech reflected the consistency and stability of the CPC’s fundamental policy toward Taiwan. “On the one hand, it seeks peaceful and integrated development; on the other hand, it firmly opposes ‘Taiwan independence’ and external interference,” he said.

“‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities and interference by external forces are the fundamental causes behind the current heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait,” he said.

Zheng added that exchanges, cooperation and integrated development align with the interests of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Chen Guiqing, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences’ Institute of Taiwan Studies, said that platforms for communication and engagement between people on both sides can only be built by deepening cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, creating broader public support for peaceful reunification.

According to Chen, while Xi’s remarks reflected the continuity of the CPC’s Taiwan policy, their firm tone on combating “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and opposing external interference underscored the Party’s determination to steadily advance the goal of complete national reunification.

Chen said the emphasis on opposing external interference is closely related to the current situation in the Taiwan Strait, as external forces have attempted to send wrong signals to separatist forces in Taiwan, thereby escalating tensions across the Strait.

He added that Xi’s remarks clearly demonstrated the CPC’s commitment to safeguarding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, while resolutely defending China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on the Taiwan question.

Contact the writers at lishangyi@chinadaily.com.cn