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Speakers:

Mr. Chen Yuanfeng, deputy director of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee

Mr. Ma Xiaoguang, director general of the Publicity Bureau and spokesperson of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee

Mr. Qiu Kaiming, director general of the Research Bureau of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee

Ms. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee

Chairperson:

Mr. Chen Wenjun, spokesperson of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee

Date:

Sept. 21, 2022

Chen Wenjun: 

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference. Today, we are holding the 35th press conference under the theme of China in the past decade. We have invited Mr. Chen Yuanfeng, deputy director of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee, to brief you on achievements in Taiwan work and cross-Strait relations since the 18th CPC National Congress and take your questions. Also joining us today are Mr. Ma Xiaoguang, director general of the Publicity Bureau and spokesperson of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee; Mr. Qiu Kaiming, director general of the Research Bureau of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee; and Ms. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee.

Now, let's give the floor to Mr. Chen Yuanfeng for his introduction.

Chen Yuanfeng:

Friends from the press, let me begin by welcoming you to the press conference on work related to Taiwan. On behalf of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee, I would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for your long-term care, concern and support. Now, I will briefly introduce the major achievements in Taiwan work and cross-Strait relations in the past 10 years, as well as the important experience we have drawn from that. 

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has pursued the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation amid profound global changes unseen in a century. With an accurate understanding of the changes at home and abroad, the CPC Central Committee has adopted innovative theories and measures in all respects on Taiwan-related work, continued to chart the course of cross-Strait relations, safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and promoted progress toward national reunification. General Secretary Xi Jinping put forward a series of new concepts, thoughts and strategies as well as major policies on Taiwan-related work. He published a series of important remarks and gave a series of important instructions, thus developing the Party's overall policy for solving the Taiwan question in the new era, and setting out the overarching guideline and a program of action. 

In the past decade, a historic breakthrough has been made in cross-Strait political exchanges. We have facilitated the first meeting and direct dialogue between leaders of the two sides since 1949, raising exchanges and interactions to new heights, which is a new milestone for cross-Strait relations. The departments in charge of cross-Strait affairs on both sides have established regular contact and communication mechanisms on a common political foundation, and the heads of the two departments have exchanged visits and set up hotlines.

In the past decade, a new dimension has been opened up in cross-Strait dialogue and negotiation. Upholding the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, the CPC and the Chinese government have facilitated exchanges between political parties across the Strait, and conducted dialogues, consultations and in-depth exchanges of views on cross-Strait relations and the future of the Chinese nation with relevant political parties, organizations and individuals in Taiwan. These efforts have resulted in consensus on multiple issues, and promoted a number of joint initiatives exploring the "two systems" solution to the Taiwan question with all sectors of Taiwan society.

Over the past decade, Taiwan compatriots on the Chinese mainland have gradually enjoyed equal treatment and development opportunities. Guided by the people-centered development philosophy and conviction that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are of the same family, the CPC and the Chinese government have promoted peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and integrated development of the two sides for the benefit of both the mainland and Taiwan. We have also refined the institutional arrangements, policies and measures to promote cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, designed to advance the well-being of Taiwan residents. These include electronic travel passes for Taiwan residents to enter or leave the mainland, the delivery of water from the coastal province of Fujian to Kinmen Island, residence permits for Taiwan residents, progressively ensuring that Taiwan compatriots have equal access to public services so as to facilitate their studying, starting businesses, working and living on the mainland, and an ongoing effort to pave the way for Taiwan to benefit first from the mainland's development opportunities.

Over the past decade, cross-Strait trade and Taiwan investment on the mainland have grown significantly. The volume of cross-Strait trade increased from $160.03 billion in 2011 to $328.34 billion in 2021, doubling in 10 years. Taiwan businesses had invested in 85,772 projects as of 2011, while in 2021 the number rose to 124,142, up by 44.7%. The mainland is the largest export market for Taiwan, the largest source of trade surplus, and the largest destination for Taiwan's off-island investment.

Over the past decade, cross-Strait people-to-people exchanges from all walks of life have continued to expand. While countering interference and obstruction from separatist forces, we have called on the people of Taiwan to promote effective and in-depth cooperation and people-to-people exchanges in various fields across the strait. We have held a number of exchange events such as the Straits Forum, Shanghai-Taipei City Forum, and Straits Youth Forum and maintained the momentum of cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation. In 2011, 7.1 million cross-Strait visits were made, of which 5.26 million trips were from Taiwan to the mainland. In 2019, the total number of cross-Strait visits reached 9 million, including over 6 million visits from Taiwan to the mainland. In the past three years, affected by COVID-19, online communication has become the main form of people-to-people interactions across the Strait, and the numbers of people participating in and covered by online communication are reaching new highs.

Over the past decade, we have been constantly strengthening opposition to Taiwan independence and advancing national reunification. We have been resolute in defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity and opposing separatist activities and external interference. We have safeguarded peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation. We have taken lawful action against and effectively deterred separatist forces. We have handled Taiwan's external exchanges in a sound manner, and consolidated the international community's commitment to the one-China principle.

Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core and guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, work related to Taiwan has seen important progress in the past 10 years. These achievements made on the basis of acting on General Secretary Xi Jinping's important remarks on the work related to Taiwan are an important part of the historic achievements and changes in the cause of the Party and the country. This process has fully demonstrated that we must adhere to the Party's leadership and firmly uphold Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and uphold the Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership in the work on Taiwan; we must adhere to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus; we must firmly oppose any separatist activities seeking "Taiwan independence" and never allow any individual or force to separate Taiwan from China; we must resolutely oppose foreign interference and resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity; we must coordinate the resolution of the Taiwan question and the realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and resolutely advance the process of the reunification of China; we must strive for the well-being of all Chinese people, including those in Taiwan, and to realize the aspirations of all Chinese people for a better life; we must follow the principles of freeing the mind and seeking truth from facts to adopt new and innovative measures in relation to Taiwan; we must have the courage and skill to fight against any force that attempts to undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity or stands in the way of its reunification; and we must uphold extensive unity and solidarity to mobilize all factors to fight against any force that would divide the country, and pool strengths to make historic achievements in advancing national reunification.

Today, as China and the world experience profound changes, realizing China's complete reunification is facing new challenges. The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical process. The time, momentum, and righteousness of reunification are on the side of the Chinese mainland. In the new era, our resolve to realize national reunification in the face of provocation from secessionists and external forces is even stronger. The trend of China's reunification cannot be altered by any disruptions or obstructions. We will follow the general guidelines of the CPC in solving the Taiwan question and the decisions and arrangements made by the CPC Central Committee on work related to Taiwan. We will defeat separatism and external interference, make concrete efforts to promote peaceful cross-Strait relations, integrate the development of the two sides, and work toward national reunification. We will join hands with our compatriots in Taiwan to strive for national reunification and rejuvenation.

This is all of my opening remarks. Next, my colleagues and I are ready to answer your questions. Thank you.

Chen Wenjun:

Thank you, Mr. Chen. Now the floor is open to questions. Please identify the news outlet you represent before raising your questions.

China Media Group:

The white paper titled The Taiwan Question and China's Reunification in the New Era, published this August, mentioned the practice of one country, two systems in Taiwan. What benefits will peaceful reunification and one country, two systems bring to the Taiwan region and Taiwan compatriots?

I'll take this question. Peaceful reunification and one country, two systems are our basic principles for resolving the Taiwan question and the best approach to realizing national reunification. It embodies the Chinese wisdom that we thrive by embracing each other. In designing the specifics for implementing one country, two systems after peaceful reunification, we will give full consideration to the realities in Taiwan and the views and proposals from all walks of life on both sides. Furthermore, we will fully accommodate the interests and sentiments of our compatriots in Taiwan. To realize peaceful reunification, we must acknowledge that the mainland and Taiwan have their own distinct social systems and ideologies. The one country, two systems principle is the most inclusive solution to this problem. It is an approach grounded in democratic principles, demonstrates goodwill, seeks peaceful resolution of the Taiwan question, and delivers mutual benefit. Once peaceful reunification is achieved under one country, two systems, it will create huge opportunities for social and economic development in Taiwan and bring tangible benefits to the people of Taiwan.

After reunification, the Taiwan region may practice a social system different from that of the mainland, and Taiwan compatriots will be able to live and work in peace and tranquility, as the central government will be in a better position to take care of them. Provided that China's sovereignty, security, and development interests are guaranteed, Taiwan's social system and its way of life after reunification will be fully respected, and the private property, religious beliefs, and lawful rights and interests of the people in Taiwan will be fully protected. All Taiwan compatriots who support the reunification of the country and rejuvenation of the nation will be the masters of the region, contributing to and benefiting from China's development.

After reunification, the systems and mechanisms for cross-Strait economic cooperation will improve further. Supported by the vast mainland market, Taiwan's economy will enjoy broader prospects, become more competitive, develop steadier and smoother industrial and supply chains, and display greater vitality in innovation-driven growth. Many problems that have long afflicted Taiwan's economy and its people will be resolved through integrated cross-Strait development with all possible connections between the two sides. Taiwan's fiscal revenues can be better employed to improve living standards, bringing real benefits to the people and resolving their difficulties.

After reunification, Taiwan's cultural creativity will also enjoy a great boost. Both sides of the Taiwan Strait share the culture and ethos of the Chinese nation. Nourished by Chinese civilization, Taiwan's regional culture will flourish and prosper.

After reunification, Taiwan will have a greater space for development, and the people of Taiwan will enjoy greater security and dignity. They will stand upright and firmly within the international community. They will share the pride of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with the people of the mainland.

We want to reiterate the fact that peaceful cross-Strait reunification will not harm the legitimate interests of any other country, including any economic interests they might have in Taiwan. On the contrary, it will bring more development opportunities to all countries. It will create more positive momentum for prosperity and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the rest of the world. Moreover, it will contribute to building a human community with a shared future, promoting world peace and development, and propelling human progress. Thank you.

China Daily:

Recently, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have been preaching the idea that the two sides across the Strait should not be subordinate to each other. Meanwhile, the U.S. has been obscuring and hollowing out the one-China principle. Considering current cross-Strait relations, how do you understand the nature of the Taiwan question and interpret the one-China principle?

Qiu Kaiming:

Good morning, everyone. I'll take this question. The current situation across the Taiwan Strait remains severe and complex due to the island's DPP authorities colluding with some forces in the U.S. to seek the independence of the island. Meanwhile, some forces in the U.S., motivated by a hegemonic mindset and a Cold War mentality, have intensified their efforts to use Taiwan to contain the development of the mainland. The DPP authorities have promoted the idea that the two sides across the Strait should not be subordinate to each other. Meanwhile, the U.S. has been obscuring and hollowing out the one-China principle for its own political gain. Such moves attempt to distort the nature of the Taiwan question and deny the one-China principle.

Taiwan has belonged to China since ancient times. This statement has a sound basis in history and jurisprudence. Many historical records and annals document the development of Taiwan by the Chinese people in earlier periods. They also demonstrate that since the middle of the 12th century, the imperial central governments of China all set up administrative bodies to exercise jurisdiction over Penghu and Taiwan.

The emergence and evolution of the Taiwan question have been inextricably interwoven with the history of the Chinese nation since China entered modern times. Following the Opium War starting in 1840, China suffered an invasion by Western powers and was plunged into the darkness of domestic turmoil and foreign aggression. Its people, ravaged by war, saw their homeland torn apart. Taiwan was under foreign occupation for half a century. The Cairo Declaration issued by China, the United States and the United Kingdom in 1943 stated that it was the purpose of the three allies that all the territories Japan had stolen from China, including Taiwan and the Penghu Islands, should be restored to China. The Potsdam Proclamation signed in 1945 reiterated: The terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out. In 1945, the Chinese people, including Taiwan compatriots, fought bloody battles with unyielding determination and won the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Taiwan was thus recovered and returned to the motherland.

On October 1, 1949, the People's Republic of China (PRC) was founded, becoming the successor to the Republic of China, and the Central People's Government became the only legitimate government of the whole of China. The new government replaced the previous KMT regime in a situation where China, as a subject under international law, did not change and China's sovereignty and inherent territory did not change. As a natural result, the government of the PRC should enjoy and exercise China's full sovereignty, which includes its sovereignty over Taiwan. As a result of the civil war and the interference of external forces, the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have fallen into a state of protracted political confrontation.

At its 26th session in October 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, which undertook to restore all the rights to the People's Republic of China and to recognize the representatives of its Government as the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations. This resolution settled once and for all the political, legal and procedural issues of China's representation in the UN, and it covered the whole country, including Taiwan. It also spelled out that China has one single seat in the UN, so there is no such thing as two Chinas or one China, one Taiwan. The United Nations and its specialized agencies all follow the one-China principle in dealing with questions concerning Taiwan. To date, 181 countries have established diplomatic relations with the PRC on the basis of the one-China principle. The one-China principle represents the universal consensus of the international community; it is consistent with the basic norms of international relations.

History, jurisprudence and international reality have all proven that the truth that Taiwan is part of China and both the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China has never been changed and can't be changed. Although the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are yet to be reunified, the sovereignty and territory of China have never been divided. Motivated by its nature of pursuing Taiwan independence and political gains, the DPP authorities profess that Taiwan and the mainland should not be subordinate to each other and that the status of Taiwan has yet to be determined. Their attempt to deny or dispute the one-China principle distorts the facts and confuses the public.

The Taiwan question is an internal affair of China and no external interference will be tolerated. Diplomatic relations between China and the U.S. are premised on dealing with Taiwan-related issues prudently and properly, and the one-China principle is the political foundation of China-US bilateral relations. The three China-U.S. joint communiques clearly describe the U.S.' commitments on the Taiwan issue. The U.S. side explicitly declared in the Shanghai Communique released in 1972 that the United States acknowledges that all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China. The United States Government does not challenge that position. The China-U.S. Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, published in 1978, states: The United States of America recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China. Within this context, the people of the United States will maintain cultural, commercial, and other unofficial relations with the people of Taiwan. It also states: The Government of the United States of America acknowledges the Chinese position that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China. However, the U.S. has constantly clouded the one-China principle in recent years. They are breaching their commitments on the one-China principle and turning their backs on the wheel of history. We firmly oppose this. We urge the U.S. side to adhere to the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, and deal with Taiwan-related issues prudently and properly.

Just as the white paper says: We are one China, and Taiwan is part of China. This is an indisputable fact supported by history and the law. Taiwan has never been a state; its status as part of China is unalterable. Any attempt to distort these facts and dispute or deny the one-China principle will fail. Thank you.

People's Daily:

Mr. Ma Xiaoguang just introduced the white paper entitled The Taiwan Question and China's Reunification in the New Era, and published in August, and said that the principles of peaceful reunification and one country, two systems will bring tangible benefits for Taiwan's economic and social development and Taiwan compatriots. I have two questions. Why did you publish the white paper at this time? What new expressions does the white paper include on China's policy and stance to achieve national reunification in the new era? Thank you.

Chen Yuanfeng:

I will answer your questions. Mr. Ma just introduced what benefits will be brought following the principles of peaceful reunification and one country, two systems. The white paper also gives a relatively thorough description of the content. After achieving peaceful reunification and one country, two systems, we will conduct in-depth communication and exchanges with all sectors of Taiwan society to explore the "two systems" solution to the Taiwan question.

On Aug. 10, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and the State Council Information Office jointly released a white paper titled The Taiwan Question and China's Reunification in the New Era. On the same day, the spokesperson of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee was authorized to remark on the white paper. Here, I would like to brief you on the relevant issues.  

First, the publication of the white paper is most relevant and of great significance. The Chinese government has published two white papers on Taiwan previously. One was The Taiwan Question and Reunification of China in August 1993, and the other was The One-China Principle and the Taiwan Issue in February 2000. These two white papers comprehensively and systematically elaborated the basic principles and policies regarding resolving the Taiwan question. Over the past two decades and more, especially since the 18th CPC National Congress, theories on national reunification and principles and policies concerning Taiwan have been continuously enriched and developed. General Secretary Xi Jinping has proposed a series of major concepts, policies and propositions on work related to Taiwan. The CPC's overall policy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era has been developed, providing the overarching action guideline in this regard. An unstoppable force now drives China's national rejuvenation, and we are better positioned, more confident and capable of accomplishing the great cause of national reunification. In recent years, however, Taiwan's DPP authorities have redoubled their efforts to divide the country, and some external forces have gone all out to exploit Taiwan to contain China and try to prevent the Chinese nation from achieving complete reunification and national rejuvenation. Facing the new situation, it is necessary to publish a new white paper on national reunification to further reiterate that Taiwan is part of China. The paper demonstrates the firm resolve of the CPC and the Chinese people and their strong commitment to national reunification. It elaborates on the position and policies of the CPC and the Chinese government in the new era to promote the country's reunification.

Second, the content of the white paper are comprehensive and systematic, with prominent highlights. Based on the overall goal of national rejuvenation and global changes on a scale unseen in a century, the white paper has presented a thorough account of Taiwan's history. It comprehensively summarized the CPC's struggle for complete national reunification as well as its major achievements and valuable experiences. It exposed and denounced the DPP authorities' intensified provocation designed to divide the country and the desperate acts and fallacies of the U.S. when it plays the Taiwan card. The white paper has systematically elaborated the major principles and policies followed by the CPC and the Chinese government in the new era to facilitate national reunification and unequivocally clarified the bright prospect of Taiwan after peaceful reunification in accordance with the principle one country, two systems. It demonstrates our full confidence in achieving complete national reunification, resolute resolve to oppose Taiwan independence separatist forces and external interference, and consistent aspiration to ensure the wellbeing of Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Third, the white paper is most relevant to fighting against any forces seeking Taiwan Independence and promoting national reunification. Amid the current complicated international landscape and grim situation across the Taiwan Strait, the white paper is conducive to exposing and denouncing the vicious provocation of any collusion between the Taiwan independence separatist forces and external forces to undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as to obstruct and sabotage China's process toward national reunification. It is conducive to demonstrating the position and attitude of the CPC and the Chinese government to continue to strive for peaceful reunification with utmost sincerity and effort. The white paper also helps boost the spirit of the whole Party and Chinese people of all ethnic groups to press ahead with national reunification, strengthen the confidence and courage of anti-separatism and pro-reunification forces in Taiwan and those staying abroad, and pool strengths into a mighty force to support and promote the great cause.

Fourth, the white paper will help unite our compatriots in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao and overseas to work together for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the great cause of peaceful national reunification. Peaceful cross-Strait reunification benefits not only the Chinese nation and Chinese people, but all other peoples and the international community as a whole. We hope that our compatriots in Taiwan will stand on the right side of history, fully consider the position and role of Taiwan in China's rejuvenation, and actively participate in the just cause of China's peaceful reunification. We hope that our compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and overseas will make new contributions to promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the peaceful reunification of the country. We also hope that the international community will abide by the one-China principle, properly handle Taiwan-related questions, and understand and support the Chinese people's just cause of opposing separatist forces seeking Taiwan independence and striving for national reunification. Thank you.

ETtoday:

What progress has been made in cross-Strait people-to-people exchanges and cooperation and communication in various other fields in recent years? What can be done to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on cross-Strait exchanges? In addition, we have seen that an increasing number of young people from Taiwan come to the mainland to study and work. What has been done to attract them to the mainland? Thank you.

Zhu Fenglian:

Thank you for your attention to ordinary and young people on both sides of the Strait. Indeed, cross-Strait relations are internally driven forward by non-government sectors and the youth. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, we have worked with local governments and relevant departments to earnestly implement the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping as well as the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee, continuously expanded cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and enhanced the kinship and wellbeing of compatriots on both sides of the Strait, thus lending strong internal impetus to the growth of cross-Strait relations. We have summarized the following four aspects:

First, the belief that compatriots across the Strait should promote exchanges, cooperation, and development has been widely supported. The pattern for cross-Strait exchanges enjoys a solid and stable foundation. Cross-Strait interactions and exchanges in various sectors are expanding, and a wide-ranging, multi-tiered pattern for communication has been built. In 2015, China removed entry permit requirements for Taiwan residents traveling to the mainland and began issuing electronic travel passes to them, further facilitating cross-Strait communication and leading to a peak of 9.85 million trips that year. Since 2020, due to COVID-19 and political obstructions set by Taiwan's DPP authorities, online communication has become the main form of cross-Strait exchange. Nearly 1,000 exchange activities have been held both online and offline by compatriots across the Strait from all walks of life. 

Second, the policy of equal treatment has been deepened and refined to support more Taiwan compatriots to pursue, build, and achieve their dreams on the mainland. We worked with all localities and government departments to introduce a series of policies and measures that are preferential to Taiwan compatriots. We provide development opportunities for Taiwan compatriots and ensure they enjoy equal treatment, including issuing residence permits for Taiwan residents, removing work permits for Taiwan compatriots working on the mainland, expanding trials to allow more Taiwan compatriots to work in public institutions, increasing enrollment for Taiwan compatriots, ensuring their access to professional qualification examinations, social security, and free COVID-19 vaccines on the mainland, among other benefits. 

An increasing number of Taiwan compatriots now find opportunities for development on the mainland. We have built 78 bases and demonstration platforms for cross-Strait youth entrepreneurship and employment, providing services for over 220 Taiwan youth startup programs. More than 2,000 young scholars from Taiwan are teaching at universities and colleges on the mainland. About 3,000 university students from Taiwan are awarded scholarship on the mainland every year. Nearly 1,000 Taiwan compatriots have attained professional qualifications in a variety of popular sectors. About 300 Taiwan compatriots working and living on the mainland have received honorary titles, including winners of the May 1 Labor Medal, the Youth May Fourth Medal, the March 8 Red-Banner Holder, and the Five-Virtue Family at or above the prefectural level.

Third, as the integrated social and cultural development across the Strait continues to be deepened, compatriots across the Strait has shown a closer bond of kinship on the new journey in the new era. Every year, a large number of Taiwan compatriots come to the mainland to trace their ancestors' history. Cross-Strait cultural exchanges in film, television, music, art, creative design, book publishing, intangible cultural heritage, and other sectors are thriving. Excellent cultural products such as films and TV dramas from the mainland are popular among Taiwan people, especially teenagers. Every year, thousands of Taiwan artists and performers take part in radio, television, audiovisual programs, and film production on the mainland. Ethnic minorities from Taiwan also participated in the 11th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities. 

Fourth, the general public and young people have become a primary force in driving cross-Strait exchanges. They have become the foundation and engine for advancing the development of relations across the Strait. An increasing number of cross-Strait exchange activities have been held for the general public and the young generation. As the largest platform focusing on people-to-people exchanges across the Strait, the Straits Forum has been held for 14 consecutive years. The Shanghai Taipei City Forum, an important platform for exchanges among cities, has been held for 13 years consecutively. A wide range of exchange activities are carried out every year, involving science and technology, education, medical care, sports, religion and belief, labor unions, and women's affairs. Every year, we carry out hundreds of summer (or winter) camps and studying camps for Taiwan youth and hold large exchange activities such as the Cross-Straits Youth Festival and the Straits Youth Forum, attracting tens of thousands of young people from Taiwan to participate. Taiwan compatriots also actively take part in volunteering activities on the mainland, including anti-poverty projects, rural vitalization, teaching assistance, free medical programs, disaster relief, and epidemic prevention and control work.

Looking forward, we will introduce more preferential policies and measures for Taiwan compatriots. We will advance integration through better connectivity and more preferential policies based on mutual trust and understanding. Efforts will be made to create favorable conditions for improving cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, and promote mutual understating and mutual trust among compatriots across the Strait. We will work together to push forward the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the peaceful reunification of the country. Thank you.

TVBS:

How are cross-Strait economic and trade cooperation and exchanges going now? The economies of the mainland and Taiwan are highly complementary. What's your take on this? What are the characteristics of cross-Strait economic exchange? Thank you.

Ma Xiaoguang:

Over the past decade, we have been working to expand cross-Strait economic and trade cooperation, which has delivered fruitful results. The characteristics can be summarized as follows.

First, the trade volume between the mainland and Taiwan doubled in the past 10 years. Taiwan's trade dependence on the mainland remains high.

Second, investment on the mainland from Taiwan businesses is gaining momentum with positive changes. Investments have focused more on major projects and high-tech projects.

Third, the integrated development of economies across the Strait have delivered more substantial and concrete outcomes. Since 2018, we have unveiled 31 measures and 26 measures to enhance cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation. We have released 11 measures and 22 measures on agriculture and forestry to support the development of Taiwan-funded enterprises. We have also rolled out policies to encourage more Taiwan residents to register as self-employed individuals on the mainland. These efforts have helped Taiwan compatriots and businesses enjoy greater development opportunities and equal treatment on the mainland. We have encouraged Taiwan compatriots and businesses to take part in the Belt and Road Initiative, the country's major regional strategies, and strategies for regional coordinated development. We have supported Fujian province in exploring new approaches for integrated development across the Strait. Other provinces and cities where Taiwan businesses are clustered have also been encouraged to pilot preferential policies for them. We have guided enterprises across the Strait to strengthen cooperation in terms of funds, technology, management, standards, brands, and channels. We have helped Taiwan businesses to expand the domestic market on the mainland. Thousands of Taiwan enterprises in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, and other provinces and cities have enjoyed preferential tax policies of various kinds. Hundreds of Taiwan enterprises have received specialized financial support in terms of industrial transformation and upgrading, green manufacturing, and smart manufacturing. As of June this year, 41 Taiwan-funded financial institutions had received Qualified Foreign Institutional Investors (QFII) licenses, and 53 Taiwan enterprises had been listed on the mainland.

Fourth, the number of platforms for cross-Strait economic and trade cooperation has increased and they have made notable achievements. The Summit for Entrepreneurs across the Taiwan Strait has vigorously promoted joint ventures and cooperation between enterprises on both sides of the Strait and has become the most important platform for exchanges and cooperation between entrepreneurs across the Taiwan Strait. In addition, cross-Strait integrated circuits industry cooperation pilot zones in the cities of Hefei in Anhui province and Xiamen and Quanzhou in Fujian province, as well as a cross-Strait industrial cooperation zone for replacing old growth drivers with new ones in Shandong province, and five cross-Strait industrial cooperation zones in Guangxi, Hubei, Sichuan, Jiangxi and Hunan provinces have been set up. We have supported Kunshan Pilot Zone for Deepening Cross-strait Industrial Cooperation to carry out pilot tests with Taiwan. As of 2021, there were more than 350 Taiwan-funded projects in the five cross-Strait industrial cooperation zones, with investment totaling over 100 billion yuan. Various regions have continued to hold distinctive Taiwan-related economic and trade activities and promoted the partnering and delivery of high-quality projects. The cross-Strait economic exchanges and cooperation have kept a strong momentum and we have seen more solid achievements. Thank you.

Hong Kong Economic Herald:

People on both sides of the Strait are highly concerned about cross-Strait political exchanges. What achievements have relevant parties on both sides of the Strait achieved in safeguarding the common political foundation and conducting political exchanges in recent years? Thank you.

Qiu Kaiming:

Cross-Strait political exchanges have drawn attention on both sides of the Strait because this issue plays a pioneering and leading role in cross-Strait relations. We can see its importance in the white paper titled "The Taiwan Question and China's Reunification in the New Era," which regards the realization of the first meeting and direct dialogue and communication between leaders across the Strait since 1949 as the first major measure for promoting work related to Taiwan under the leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping since the 18th CPC National Congress. Over the years, we have grasped the trend of the times and promoted cross-Strait political exchanges on the basis of staying committed to the 1992 Consensus and firmly opposing "Taiwan independence." The historic achievements that we have made are embodied in three aspects:

First is promoting a historic meeting between the leaders of the two sides of the Strait. On Nov. 7, 2015, General Secretary Xi Jinping, also president of China, met with then Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou. It was the first meeting between leaders of the two sides since 1949. Many reporters witnessed this historic moment. Both sides have reached consensus on the theme of promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and national rejuvenation, consolidated and deepened the key position and role of the 1992 Consensus as the common political foundation for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, which has been widely affirmed and highly appraised by compatriots on both sides of the Strait and the international community. The cross-Strait leaders' meeting fully demonstrates the firmness and tactical flexibility of the Party Central Committee's principles and policies on the work related to Taiwan, and fully demonstrates that we have the initiative in the development of cross-Strait relations and the great goodwill to seek well-being for people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. We have shown the world that the Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait have the wisdom and the ability to handle its own affairs.

Second is promoting the establishment of regular contact and communication mechanisms between the departments in charge of cross-Strait affairs on both sides of the Strait. In February 2014, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and Taiwan's mainland affairs council established a regular communication mechanism on the political basis of the 1992 Consensus. Heads of the two departments visited each other many times and opened hotlines, which raised the level of institutionalization of cross-Strait exchanges. Since the DPP came to power in 2016, it has turned its back on the 1992 Consensus that states both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same China, which has undermined the political foundation for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and led to the suspension of this communication mechanism.

Third is maintaining exchanges with relevant parties in Taiwan and promoting cross-Strait democratic consultation. There are three aspects in this regard. Firstly, General Secretary Xi Jinping and other Party leaders have maintained contact with relevant parties, groups and representatives in Taiwan through meetings, correspondence and the like, so as to consolidate the common political foundation on both sides of the Strait and ensure the right direction of the development of cross-Strait relations. Secondly, we have jointly held the Cross-Strait Economic, Trade and Culture Forum, the Cross-Strait Peaceful Development Forum, and dialogue and exchanges between the CPC and Kuomintang to exchange views and build consensus on important issues in the development of cross-Strait relations. In addition, we have conducted dialogues and consultations with representatives of political parties, groups and people from all walks of life in Taiwan and issued joint initiatives centering on cross-Strait relations and national rejuvenation. We have successively held the Hand in Hand to Realize Dreams: Cross-Strait Compatriots Exchange Seminar in Shanghai last year and in Beijing this year. We have united and led patriotic reunification forces and created an institutionalized platform for democratic consultation across the Strait, which played an important role in fighting against any force that would divide the country and promoting national reunification. Thank you.

The Beijing News:

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the 1992 Consensus. Since coming to power, the DPP authorities have refused to recognize the 1992 Consensus. The mainland has been in a fierce struggle with the DPP authorities over upholding or denying the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus. What is the major significance of the mainland always upholding the 1992 Consensus? Thank you.

Ma Xiaoguang:

The 1992 Consensus is the political foundation and anchor for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. The significance of the 1992 Consensus lies in that it embodies the historical fact and legal basis that the two sides both belong to one China, defines the fundamental nature of cross-Strait relations, and bears on peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and interests and wellbeing of compatriots on both sides of the Strait.

We can recall together. In 1992, authorized by the two sides of the Strait, the mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) and the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), through the meeting in Hong Kong and subsequent correspondence, reached the common understanding that each should express verbally that both sides of the Taiwan Strait adhere to the one-China principle, later named the 1992 Consensus. The historical fact about the two sides reaching the 1992 Consensus is very clear. The content of the consensus consists of two specific paragraphs with mutual recognition of both sides after negotiations. The SEF said: In the process of seeking national reunification through the joint efforts of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, both sides adhere to the one-China principle but have different understandings of the meaning of one China. The ARATS said: Both sides of the Taiwan Strait adhere to the one-China principle and strive to pursue national reunification. But in cross-Strait talks on routine affairs, the political meaning of one China will not be touched upon. In these two paragraphs, both sides stated their basic stance that they stick to the one-China principle and pursue national reunification. The key point is that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China and work together toward national reunification. With regard to the political meaning of one China, SEF said both sides have different understandings, while ARATS said in cross-Strait talks on routine affairs, [it] will not be touched upon. The two sides sought common ground while reserving differences. The key to reaching the consensus lies in that both sides clearly stated their attitudes on the major issue of principle that both sides uphold the one-China principle, and at the same time, properly handled differences. The consensus demonstrates the political wisdom of seeking common ground while reserving differences and is a valuable asset for compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. 

It is based on the 1992 Consensus that the Wang-Koo meeting and a series of negotiations and consultations between the ARATS and the SEF were subsequently held, with many agreements reached to promote the development and improvement of cross-Strait relations. In February 2014, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and the Mainland Affairs Council of Taiwan established regular contact and communication mechanisms on the common political foundation of joint confirmation of the 1992 Consensus, with the heads of the two departments exchanging many visits. On Nov. 7, 2015, a historic meeting between leaders of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait was held, making a joint confirmation of adhering to the 1992 Consensus. In 2016, the DPP authorities refused to recognize the 1992 Consensus after taking office and have stepped up separatist activities aimed at Taiwan independence, severely impacting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

The development of the cross-Strait relations has proved time and again that upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing Taiwan independence is the common political foundation. Only based on that will the peaceful and stable development of cross-Strait relations be achieved, people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait be benefited, and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait be safeguarded. If there is any attempt to shake or even abandon this foundation, cross-Strait relations will inevitably be damaged and plunged into turmoil and the interests of compatriots on both sides of the Strait will be harmed. We hope that our fellow compatriots in Taiwan will learn the significance of the 1992 Consensus, cherish and safeguard it, and oppose and resist any separatist activities seeking Taiwan independence to propel cross-Strait relations back to the right track. Thank you.

Red Star News:

For some time, the DPP authorities have colluded with external forces in successive provocative actions designed to divide the country, and the United States has continued to gang up with some countries to use Taiwan as a pawn to contain China. The visit of US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan has escalated the tension across the Taiwan Strait. What measures will be adopted by the mainland to keep effectively deterring separatist schemes or activities for Taiwan independence? Thank you.

Zhu Fenglian:

All those concerned about cross-Strait relations and the situation in the Taiwan Strait have paid great attention to this question. There are many concerns and suggestions as well. Why is that? Since 2016, cross-Strait relations have been faced with severe and complicated challenges, and the situation in the Taiwan Strait has been tense and unstable. The root cause is that the DPP authorities have stubbornly adopted a separatist stance, catered to schemes of external forces to exploit Taiwan to contain China, and taken successive provocative actions designed to divide the country, seriously undermining the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, endangering national sovereignty and territorial integrity and damaging the common interests of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and the overall interests of the Chinese nation.

The CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, grasping the overall situation of cross-Strait relations from the perspective of the general interests of the Chinese nation, has appropriately responded to changes in the situation in the Taiwan Strait and taken concrete actions to resolutely crack down on various provocations to seek Taiwan independence. It resolutely foils all external interference, effectively deters and thwarts separatist activities seeking Taiwan independence and firmly grasps the initiative in cross-Strait relations.

The U.S. and other external forces are playing the Taiwan card, constantly hollowing out the one-China principle and condoning separatist forces advocating Taiwan independence to take risks and provocations. They use Taiwan as a pawn to contain China's development and progress and obstruct the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. This has led to the continuous escalation of tensions in the Taiwan Strait and seriously damaged the interests, well-being and bright future of Taiwan compatriots. U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi insisted on visiting China's Taiwan region despite strong opposition from China in August this year. Her visit was a severe escalation of Taiwan-U.S. collusion. It gravely infringes on China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, severely violates the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, seriously tramples on international law and the basic norms governing international relations, breaks the serious political commitment the United States has made to China, and sends a seriously wrong signal to forces seeking Taiwan independence. We expressed our strong condemnation and protest, and took a series of resolute and decisive countermeasures.

It is worth noting that our resolute and decisive countermeasures are targeted against separatist activities seeking Taiwan independence and interference by external forces, not the majority of Taiwan compatriots. We will continue to unite all anti-independence forces and positive elements on the island, expand cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, deepen cross-Strait integration and development, foster the common interests of compatriots on both sides of the Strait, and forge closer bonds, so as to isolate and combat forces seeking Taiwan independence, and strengthen and shape the general trend of opposing independence and promoting reunification. 

We would also like to stress that seeking Taiwan independence is a dead end and will only push the Taiwan compatriots into danger. The Taiwan question concerns China's core interests and the Chinese people's national sentiments. Any attempt by external forces to use the Taiwan question to obstruct China's development and reunification will fail. We are ready to create vast space for peaceful reunification; but we will leave no room for separatist activities in any form. No one should underestimate our resolve, will and ability to defend China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, and the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, while with the strong guarantee of the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the material foundation accumulated over 40 years of reform and opening up, as well as with the solid public will of the Chinese people, we will surely be able to overcome the risks and challenges on the way forward, resolutely smash any separatist schemes for Taiwan independence, firmly oppose the interferences of all external forces, and solidly advance the process of national reunification. Thank you.

CRNTT:

The mainland has announced two groups of diehard Taiwan independence separatists, and said to punish them according to law. May I ask what measures will be taken in this regard? Will you consider issuing detailed implementation rules for the Anti-Secession Law, or formulating a separate law on national reunification? Thank you.

Zhu Fenglian:

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, we have thoroughly studied and implemented Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law and General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on our work related to Taiwan, using law-based thinking, methods, and the power of the rule of law to defend the one-China principle in accordance with the law. We have resolutely opposed and deterred any separatist activity seeking Taiwan Independence and protected the legitimate rights and interests of compatriots on both sides of the Strait.

Actively using legal means to combat and contain separatist activities seeking Taiwan independence and punish diehard Taiwan independence separatists and their affiliated companies and major supporters such as financial sponsors in accordance with the law is an important measure to combat and contain the separatist forces and activities seeking Taiwan independence. It's also vital for maintaining the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests. This move significantly deterred the separatist forces on the island. Moreover, it encouraged patriots who supported the reunification of the motherland inside and outside the island and received extensive support and affirmation.

We will continue to take targeted measures against diehard Taiwan independence separatists in accordance with the law. We will intensify the punishments of the very few diehard Taiwan independence separatists who have arrogant remarks about independence, vile acts of seeking independence, and rampant activities of relying on the United States to seek independence. We will prohibit them and their families from entering the mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao SARs, restrict their affiliated companies from cooperating with mainland-related organizations and individuals, and never allow their affiliated companies and financial sponsors to make profits on the mainland. We will also take other necessary punishment measures to pursue criminal accountability against diehard Taiwan independence separatists in accordance with the law, with the punishment effective for their lifetimes. Taiwan independence separatists inside and outside the island will surely pay a heavy price if they are so obsessed as to continue the path, do not know how to restrain themselves, and go their own way.

I would like to stress that the Constitution, the Anti-Secession Law, the National Security Law and other laws have explicit provisions for resolving the Taiwan question and promoting the reunification of the motherland, providing a solid legal guarantee for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the reunification of the motherland. We will continue to strengthen the use of the law-based approach and means to combat the separatist elements advocating Taiwan independence and advance the progress of the reunification of the motherland. We will also further introduce new law-based measures to oppose and deter the separatist schemes or activities for Taiwan independence according to the development and changes of the situation and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests. Thank you.

Phoenix TV:

Now the public generally believes that the DPP authorities are seeking independence by force and the U.S. is strengthening its support in improving Taiwan's so-called self-defense capacity, so the possibility of peaceful reunification is decreasing, and the mainland is likely to "promote reunification by force". How do you view the public opinion? Is there a timetable for the mainland to resolve the Taiwan question and realize complete national reunification? Thank you.

Ma Xiaoguang:

I would like to reiterate that we uphold the basic principles of peaceful reunification and one country, two systems, and work with the greatest sincerity and exert our utmost efforts to achieve peaceful reunification. Our confidence comes from the development and progress of our country, the overwhelming support of the 1.4 billion Chinese people, and the time-honored history and culture of the Chinese nation. So, we will work with the greatest sincerity and exert our utmost efforts to achieve peaceful reunification. At the same, we must make it clear that we have unswerving determination and strong will to defend China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and we will never allow any individual or force to invade and divide the sacred territory of our motherland. We will only be forced to take drastic measures to respond to the provocation of separatist elements or external forces should they ever cross our red lines. The attempts of separatist forces to pursue independence and prevent reunification by force will only accelerate their own demise.

The two sides of the Taiwan Strait must be and will surely be reunified. It is indispensable for the realization of China's rejuvenation in the new era and a historical trend that no individual or force can hold back. The Taiwan question arose as a result of weakness and chaos in our nation, and it will be resolved as national rejuvenation becomes a reality. On our way to national rejuvenation, we will surely succeed in realizing complete national reunification. Thank you.

Southern Metropolis Daily:

Now the current situation across the Straits is becoming more complex and serious, and the trend of supporting 'Taiwan independence' is rising on the island. Some are worried about the mainland's ability to maintain the initiative in cross-Strait relations and the realization of complete national reunification. What's your view on that? Thank you.

Qiu Kaiming:

The journalist just mentioned that the current situation across the straits is becoming more complex and serious and the trend of supporting 'Taiwan independence' is rising on the island. Despite multiple challenges in the grave and complex situation across the Straits, we still have strategic focus and determination, historical patience, and full confidence to resolve the Taiwan question and realize complete national reunification. 

The confidence comes from the development and progress of the country. During more than four decades of reform and opening up, particularly since the 18th CPC National Congress, China's composite national strength in the aspects of the economy, technology, education, culture, and military, as well as its international influence, have significantly improved. The mainland has formed a comprehensive advantage over Taiwan. In 2021, the GDP of the Chinese mainland exceeded 114 trillion yuan. The mainland has a population of over 1.4 billion, a middle-income group of over 400 million, 160 million market entities, and the world's most complete and largest industrial system. The potential for domestic demand is being unleashed and the domestic economy is becoming more dynamic. With its continuous development, the mainland will have a greater influence on and an attraction for the Taiwan people as well as a stronger ability to maintain the pulling force and initiative in cross-Strait relations.

The confidence comes from the power of morality. Taiwan has been an integral part of China's territory since ancient times. Although the two sides are yet to be reunified, the sovereignty and territory of China has never been divided, the fact that the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China has never changed, and the one-China principle represents the universal consensus of the international community and a universally recognized norm governing international relations. As the Chinese proverb goes, With justice on your side, you can go anywhere; without it, you cannot take a step. A just cause will surely succeed.

The confidence comes from the power of the people. The vast majority of Taiwan compatriots oppose Taiwan independence and support the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. The mainstream public opinion in Taiwan calls for peace, development, and a better life. More and more Taiwan compatriots have come to realize that the future of Taiwan lies in national reunification and their well-being depends on national rejuvenation. The more than 1.4 billion mainlanders and all Chinese both at home and abroad eagerly expect reunification and firmly defend it. This constitutes the strongest support for us.

The confidence also comes from the power of culture. The bond of culture is the strongest, and the power of culture is the most enduring. For thousands of years, the Chinese nation has always pursued unity and unification, and the idea of great unification has been deeply embedded in the genes of the Chinese people. Like an old saying goes, this is a permanent principle between heaven and earth, and the universal truth throughout ancient and modern times. Safeguarding national unity is the most cherished part of national integrity of the Chinese people.

Seeking Taiwan independence and preventing reunification is by no means acceptable in view of the history and culture of the Chinese nation. The will and resolve of the over 1.4 billion Chinese people will never allow that to happen. The attempt is doomed to fail. The people on both sides of the Straits should follow the tide of history, work together for greater national interests, oppose separatist activities seeking Taiwan independence, bolster confidence and pool strengthen for reunification, promote the peaceful and integrated development of cross-Strait relations by deepening exchanges and cooperation, and jointly strive for national reunification and rejuvenation. Thank you.

Chen Wenjun:

Thank you to all the speakers and friends from the media. That's all for today's press conference. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Cui Can, Wang Wei, Yan Bin, Wang Yiming, Xu Kailin, Zhang Junmian, Zhang Rui, Huang Shan, Zhang Liying, He Shan, Guo Yiming, Ma Yujia, Xu Xiaoxuan, Wang Qian, Li Huiru, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Tom Arnstein. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.