Chinese President Xi Jinping Wednesday delivered a keynote speech at a gathering commemorating the 40th anniversary of the "Message to Compatriots in Taiwan" at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday.
Xi reviewed the history of cross-Strait relations over the past 70 years, stressing the fact that Taiwan is part of China and the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China can never be changed by any forces.
He outlined five points of promoting peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advancing the peaceful reunification of China.
Xi said people living in the mainland and Taiwan share one Chinese dream and that a strong and prosperous China will bring well-being to both sides.
Realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and reunification is the historical trend, he said, stressing that realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is shared by all Chinese, and Taiwan compatriots cannot be left out of the process.
Xi pointed out that the cross-Strait issues are a "family issue", which should be resolved by the family members themselves.
The difference in systems is not an obstacle to unification or an excuse for separation, he said.
He expressed his hope that people on both sides will join hands and promote cross-Strait relations under the political foundation of the 1992 Consensus and oppose Taiwan secession.
Reunification is the 'trend of history'
Reunification is the trend of history and the right path, while "Taiwan independence" is against it and it is doomed to fail, Xi said.
He said the mainland will not give up on using force to defeat separatists and their activities, but stressed that such acts are not targeting Taiwan compatriots.
By having a strong motherland to rely on, the livelihood of Taiwan compatriots will improve and they will have more space for development, Xi said.
The Chinese president also called on promoting the institutionalization of cross-Strait economic cooperation by building a common market for both the mainland and Taiwan.
He also vowed to promote cooperation between the two sides in areas including culture, education and medical cooperation, and to boost the sharing of social welfare and public resources.
Mutual understanding and trust
Xi said it is important to promote the recognition of peaceful reunification among people on both sides.
He said people from both sides of the Strait share the same roots and culture, and there's no knot that cannot be untied. Through time and effort, Xi added, people on both sides can surely bring about more common understanding.
On New Year's Day of 1979, the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC) issued the "Message to Compatriots in Taiwan", stating major policies to realize peaceful reunification of China.
The message marks the beginning of a new historical period in the theory and practice of resolving issues relevant to Taiwan, and a new chapter in the development of cross-Strait relations.