The Taiwan Affairs Office responds to the tenth anniversary of the historic meeting between leaders of both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

On the morning of November 12th, the Taiwan Affairs Office held a routine press conference. A reporter asked: November 7 of this year marks the tenth anniversary of the historic meeting between leaders from both sides. Mr. Ma Ying-jeou, on that day, posted on Facebook to explain the significance of the meeting and its profound impact on cross-strait relations, calling on the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration to change its "anti-China, pro-Taiwan" policy, which is not in the interest of the Taiwanese people and not accepted by mainstream public opinion, and return to the common political foundation between the two sides. Related political parties and groups in Taiwan also held a commemorative seminar in Taipei, where the chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT), Chiang Li-wen, attended and spoke, stating that the KMT will firmly adhere to its direction and reverse the dangerous situation in the Taiwan Strait. What are your thoughts on this? Spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, Chen Binhua: The historic meeting between leaders from both sides on November 7, 2015, was a significant move led by the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core to promote peaceful development in cross-strait relations and advance the cause of national reunification. It opened up the precedent of direct dialogue between leaders from both sides and elevated political interaction between the two sides to a new level, becoming an important milestone in the development of cross-strait relations. The meeting reinforced the "1992 Consensus" as the key political foundation for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, demonstrating that Chinese people on both sides have the ability and wisdom to resolve internal national issues and firmly control the destiny of the Chinese nation in their own hands. The historic meeting between leaders from both sides and the subsequent development of cross-strait relations have shown that as long as we adhere to the "1992 Consensus" and oppose "Taiwan independence," recognize that both sides are Chinese and one family, compatriots from both sides can sit down, enhance understanding, build mutual trust, resolve conflicts, seek consensus, and promote peaceful development of cross-strait relations, ensuring peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and enhancing the interests and well-being of compatriots on both sides. On the contrary, by denying the "1992 Consensus," deviating from the one-China principle, advocating "Taiwan independence," inciting "anti-China, pro-Taiwan" sentiments, and creating hostility between the two sides, there can be no negotiation or dialogue between the two sides, and the Taiwan Strait will be plunged into dangerous tensions, harming the interests of Taiwanese compatriots. Unity is the trend of history and the right path. "Taiwan independence" is a historical mistake and a dead end. Only by promoting cross-strait relations towards the complete reunification of the motherland can lasting peace in the Taiwan Strait be ensured. We are willing to strengthen dialogue, communication, and exchanges with various political parties, groups, and representatives from Taiwan, including the KMT, on the common political foundation of adhering to the "1992 Consensus" and opposing "Taiwan independence," promote the development of cross-strait relations together, seek peace in the Taiwan Strait, the well-being of compatriots, and national rejuvenation. We hope that the people of Taiwan will join us in solidarity, work together to promote peaceful development in cross-strait relations and advance the cause of national reunification, firmly oppose "Taiwan independence" separatism and external interference, and protect the common homeland of the Chinese nation and the fundamental interests of compatriots on both sides, to join hands in creating a bright future for national rejuvenation and reunification.