The Office for Taiwan Affairs under the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council issued a statement on current cross-Straits relations last Monday. This statement expresses its concern at the present difficult ?relations across the Taiwan Straits?. It condemns the ?Taiwan independence? activities ?aimed at dismembering China?. For mainland authorities, ?the safeguard of peace and stability? in the Taiwan Straits is the ?most pressing task? for both sides.

The statement enumerates the pledge of Chen Shui-bian to the so-called ?five no?s? policy. The Taiwanese leader is said to have so far ignored or contradicted his commitments ?not to declare independence?, not to move for a change of Taiwan?s?national title?, not to push for the inclusion of the ?state-to-state? description in the constitution; not to promote a ?referendum to change the status quo in regard to the question of independence or unification?.

The Chinese authorities condemn Chen Shui-bian for his ?vicious mischaracterization of the popular will of the Taiwan people, his unbridled instigation of hostility and animosity towards the mainland, and his frenzied provocation to the status quo that both the mainland and Taiwan belong to the one and same China?. They are concerned that his actions are threatening peace.

Moreover, the authorities express their determination on keeping a united China. They will ?never compromise on the one-China principle, never give up our efforts for peace negotiations, never falter in our sincere pursuit of peace and development on both sides of the Straits with our Taiwan compatriots, never waver in our resolve to safeguard China?s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and never put up with ?Taiwan independence?. Whoever ?holds power in Taiwan in the next four years? should therefore ?recognize? this and stop separatist activities?.

Then, the prospect of ?peace, stability and development? could be brighter with the resumption of negotiations through equal-footed consultations, mutual trust in military field, and joint building of a framework for peaceful, stable and growing cross-Straits relations. It would further the realisation of comprehensive, direct and two-way ?three links? to facilitate commerce, trade, exchanges, travel, tourism and other activities on both sides.

Furthermore, it would establish closer economic cooperation with reciprocity to optimise Taiwan?s industrial structure and upgrade its competitiveness in cross-Straits economic exchanges and cooperation. Joining the mainland would help Taiwan meet the challenges of economic globalization and mean greater market access on the mainland for Taiwan?s agricultural products.

Besides, the increasing exchanges between the compatriots on the two sides of the Straits would help enhance mutual trust and realize aspirations for peace, social stability and economic prosperity while enjoying harmony and tranquillity in cross-Straits ties. For the Chinese authorities, if the Taiwan leaders cling to their ?Taiwan independence? position and their separatist ?one country on each side? stance, the hopes ?for peace, stability, mutual benefit and a win-win scenario in cross-Straits relations will evaporate?.

The Taiwan leaders are therefore asked to choose between ?pulling back immediately from their dangerous lurch towards independence?, or ?following their separatist agenda and meeting their own destruction by playing with fire?. The Chinese authorities are adamant about the ?importance and sacredness of safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their country?. They commit to do their utmost ?to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification of the motherland?. However, if ?Taiwan leaders should move recklessly to provoke major incidents of Taiwan independence?, the Chinese people are ready ?to crush their schemes firmly and thoroughly at any cost?.