Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in a significant meeting with Ma Ying-jeou in Beijing on Wednesday, underlining the common bond of Chinese heritage and culture between compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.
President Xi reaffirmed the historical ties binding the Chinese nation, emphasizing that the millennia-old history of the Chinese people encompasses migrations to Taiwan and joint struggles against foreign invasions across the Straits.
Addressing the meeting, President Xi reiterated the intrinsic unity between the people of China and Taiwan, stressing the indivisibility of their shared heritage and aspirations. He emphasized the resilience of their kinship, asserting that geographical boundaries cannot sever the deep-rooted ties between them.
President Xi underscored that despite differing systems, the fundamental reality of both sides belonging to one China remains unchanged, while external interference cannot deter the historical momentum towards national reunification.
In response, Ma emphasized the importance of upholding the 1992 Consensus and rejecting “Taiwan independence” as pivotal pillars for fostering peaceful cross-Strait relations.
This meeting marks the second encounter between President Xi and Ma since their historic dialogue in Singapore in 2015. President Xi, addressing the importance of youth, urged them to take pride in their Chinese identity and contribute to the nation’s prosperity.
President Xi emphasized the shared bloodline, culture, and history between the two sides of the Straits, urging a holistic understanding of cross-Strait affairs in the context of the nation’s long-term interests.
Calling for concerted efforts to safeguard the common home of the Chinese nation and foster a strong sense of national community, President Xi extended condolences to those affected by the recent earthquake in Hualien.
Ma stressed the need for deeper exchanges and cooperation between people on both sides of the Straits, advocating for the preservation and promotion of Chinese culture and mutual well-being.
Experts hailed the meeting’s significance in promoting cross-Strait exchanges and unity, underscoring Ma’s role in fostering peace and stability. They highlighted Ma’s positive influence in curbing separatist sentiments and facilitating societal dialogue for peaceful coexistence.