Read in Chinese

Speakers: 

Mr. Pan Xianzhang, vice minister of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee

Mr. Cong Liang, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission

Mr. Luo Dongchuan, deputy secretary of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee

Chairperson:

Ms. Shou Xiaoli, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

Sept. 14, 2023

Shou Xiaoli:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). The Working Guidance of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council to Support Fujian in Exploring New Pathways for Promoting Integrated Development between the Two Sides of the Straits and Build a Demonstration Zone for Integrated Cross-Straits Development has been released. Today, we are joined by Mr. Pan Xianzhang, vice minister of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee; Mr. Cong Liang, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC); and Mr. Luo Dongchuan, deputy secretary of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee. They will brief you on the guidance and take your questions.

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Pan.

Pan Xianzhang:

Friends from the media, good morning. You have received a copy of the guidance which Xinhua News Agency was authorized to issue. Here, I will brief you on the background of the document's issuance and explain its significance.

Sitting across the sea, Fujian and Taiwan enjoy geographical proximity and a close affinity. This offers Fujian unique advantages and favorable conditions to engage in activities related to Taiwan. General SecretaryXi Jinpingand the CPC Central Committee highly value the distinctive role played by Fujian in the overall work related to Taiwan, and have pursued a strategy of national rejuvenation amid global changes of a magnitude not seen in a century . The initiative to support Fujian in exploring new pathways for promoting integrated development between the two sides of the Straits and to build a demonstration zone for integrated cross-Straits development has been taken as a key measure to "deepen integrated development of the two sides and cement the foundation for peaceful reunification."

At the Meeting Marking the 40th Anniversary of the Issuance of the Message to Compatriots in Taiwan held in January 2019, General SecretaryXi Jinpingproposed to "deepen integrated development of the two sides and cement the foundation for peaceful reunification" and put forward other key policies. In March 2019 and March 2021, respectively, General SecretaryXi Jinpingmade important instructions on supporting Fujian in exploring new pathways for promoting integrated development between the two sides of the Straits. He also emphasized the need for Fujian to take exemplary actions on promoting integrated cross-Straits development. During his inspection trip to Fujian in March 2021, General SecretaryXi Jinpinghighlighted the importance of enhancing integration with Taiwan through increased connectivity, favorable policies and cultivating affinity. He further urged Fujian to make greater strides in exploring new pathways for integrated cross-Straits development. In the report to the 20th CPC National Congress, General SecretaryXi Jinpingfurther underscored that "we will continue to promote economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation across the Strait, advance our integrated development in all fields."

Following the guidance ofXi JinpingThought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee, the NDRC and related government bodies, and Fujian province have thoroughly grasped and implemented the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, fully implemented the Party's overall policy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era, and earnestly carried out General SecretaryXi Jinping's important discourse on Taiwan-related work and key instructions on Fujian-specific initiatives. In accordance with related arrangements outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan, the three parties have taken a strategic perspective in deepening integrated cross-Straits development and promoting progress toward national rejuvenation, thoroughly understood and accurately grasped Fujian's unique advantages and related pilot requirements, and formulated the guidance.

The formulation of the guidance has clarified Fujian's roles, responsibilities and objectives in implementing the Party's overall policy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era. It aligns with the prevailing public sentiment on both sides of the Straits, which calls for peace, development, communication and cooperation. The goal is to basically build a demonstration zone for integrated cross-Straits development across Fujian, and fully highlight Fujian's role as the first stop for Taiwan compatriots and enterprises returning to the mainland. The key is to support Fujian in leveraging its unique advantages and pioneering position in engaging activities with Taiwan, while continuously improving policy measures promoting integration between Fujian and Taiwan. Fujian will take the lead in providing Taiwan compatriots and enterprises with equal treatment with mainland residents, continue enhancing the well-being of Taiwan compatriots, and ensure they experience the benefits of integration and the deep connectivity between Fujian and Taiwan.

That concludes my introduction. Thank you.