Create a Better Future for the Chinese Nation Hand in Hand* 

April 8 and October 6, 2013 

I 

The Chinese mainland is strong in its resolution and clear in its policies and principles for peaceful development on both sides of the Taiwan Straits. We will maintain the continuity of our fundamental strategy towards Taiwan, continue to implement effective policies, and keep moving our relations forward so as to bring benefits to the people on both sides. The Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits should strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and jointly work towards realizing the Chinese Dream, a great renewal of the Chinese nation. 

Comprehensive, direct and two-way links, namely the "three direct links"¹ have been realized between the mainland and Taiwan. The signing and implementation of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), in particular, initiated a new stage for developing cross-Straits economic relations. "Those who are clear about the trend of the times will stand in the van, and those who can take advantage of the trend of the times are bound to succeed." For the Chinese people on both sides of the Straits, it is important to be aware of and seize the opportunities history has afforded us, follow the trend of the times, work hand in hand to promote peaceful cross-Straits relations, and bring about a better future for the Chinese nation. 

First, we hope that cross-Straits economic cooperation can be boosted by the people on both sides of the Straits through the concept of "one family." All of us, whether from the mainland or Taiwan, are members of the Chinese nation, and both economies are that of the Chinese nation. Giving more consideration to the needs and interests of our Taiwan compatriots, we will offer the same treatment to Taiwan enterprises as to mainland enterprises in the fields of investment and economic cooperation sooner rather than later, and provide greater scope for enhancing cross-Straits economic cooperation. 

Second, we hope that both sides will further pursue high-level economic dialogues and coordination, and raise our economic cooperation to a new level. It is essential to give better play to the role of the Economic Cooperation Committee (ECC) within the ECFA, enhance communication on our situations, policies and development plans, and strengthen foresight and coordination in economic cooperation. We must speed up the expansion of industrial cooperation, increase two-way investment, deepen cooperation in financial services and explore new ways of cooperation. 

Third, we hope that both sides can accelerate the negotiation of subsequent agreements following the signing of the ECFA, and improve our rules in respect of economic cooperation. The mainland and Taiwan should sign a service trade agreement as soon as possible, and strive to complete consultations on such topics as cargo trade and dispute settlements by the end of the year. The two sides can discuss appropriate and workable measures to realize common economic growth and link the processes of regional economic cooperation of both sides, which will invigorate cross-Straits economic cooperation. 

Fourth, we hope that people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits will jointly work towards achieving the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Every achievement made by the mainland or Taiwan can make all Chinese people proud. Our joint efforts for promoting peaceful cross-Straits relations are contributions towards achieving the great renewal of the Chinese nation. We will surely overcome all difficulties and remove all barriers on the way as we move ahead, and make new progress in the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations as long as we always keep the interests of the entire Chinese nation in mind. 

(April 8, 2013) 

II 

Both sides of the Straits should keep to the correct path of peaceful development of cross-Straits relations, advocate the idea that we are one family, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, and together promote the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. 

We must cherish historic opportunities and maintain the positive momentum of peaceful development of cross-Straits relations. The people on both sides of the Straits long for greater progress in their relations, so both sides should comply with the aspirations of the people, seize the opportunities and make new achievements in such relations. 

We must increase political trust between the mainland and Taiwan, and reinforce the common political foundation of the two sides, which are critical for maintaining the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations. Sooner or later we will have to resolve the political disputes that have long existed in cross-Straits relations rather than leave them to later generations. We have stated several times that we would like to hold consultations on an equal footing with Taiwan on cross-Straits political issues within the framework of "one China," and make fair and reasonable arrangements. The heads of responsible departments from both sides can meet and exchange views on matters concerning cross-Straits relations. 

Both economies are parts of the overall economy of the Chinese nation. In the new era of the Asia Pacific economic development, the two sides can better meet challenges through enhanced cooperation. We must improve the systems of cross-Straits economic cooperation while attaching more importance to promoting industrial cooperation. 

(October 6, 2013) 

* Main points of talks with Vincent Siew, honorary chairman of the Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation of Taiwan, and his delegation. 

Notes 

¹  The "three direct links" are direct links in transportation, postal matters and trade across the Taiwan Straits.

(Not to be republished for any commercial or other purposes.)