Cheng Li-wen Attends Song Tao's Dinner: '1992 Consensus' and 'Anti-Taiwan Independence' Political Foundation Endures

Cheng Li-wen arrived at the Nanjing Dongjiao State Guesthouse shortly after 6 PM, where she was hosted by Song Tao in the Zixi Building. Both delivered speeches, mentioning the aforementioned content. Cheng Li-wen stated that the two sides are "creating a new paradigm" to let the world know that political differences do not necessarily lead to conflict, and that cross-strait relations will not "inevitably lead to war" as international concerns suggest. She added that both sides will jointly prove that they "have the determination, ability, and wisdom" to peacefully resolve all issues, contributing to regional security and stability, not only avoiding being "troublemakers" but also becoming "regional peace builders." She mentioned that this visit to the mainland once again proves that in cross-strait relations, the foundation of the "1992 Consensus" and "opposing Taiwan independence" "remains enduring," serving as the "stabilizing force for cross-strait relations." Taiwan has experienced several political party rotations, but historical experience fully demonstrates that as long as "the 1992 Consensus is upheld and Taiwan independence is opposed," cross-strait exchanges and dialogue can proceed. Conversely, the Taiwan Strait will fall into turmoil. At the same time, this visit will shift the balance of cross-strait relations "towards peace and stability." Cheng Li-wen said that the Kuomintang once again plays a "key role in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait." The KMT's proposed cross-strait peace path is the "most correct, effective, and beneficial path for Taiwanese people." She mentioned that this visit to the mainland will also prove that Taiwanese people can break free from sorrow and grasp their strong autonomy over their own destiny. Taiwan should not become a "geopolitical pawn or even a discarded piece." The Kuomintang offers the Taiwanese people a choice of "precious opportunities for peace and prosperity." Even though the KMT is an opposition party, it cannot shirk its significant responsibility for how Taiwan moves towards peace and prosperity. Kuomintang Chairman Cheng Li-wen (left) began her visit to mainland China on the 7th. In the evening, Song Tao (center), Director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the CPC Central Committee, hosted a banquet for her at the Nanjing Dongjiao State Guesthouse. Central News Agency reporter Lu Jia-rong photographed in Nanjing on April 7, 115. Song Tao, in his speech, said that the KMT chairman's visit to the mainland after a 10-year hiatus is a major event for relations between the two parties and a major event for cross-strait relations this year. He noted that the current "international situation is complex and volatile, and the situation in the Taiwan Strait is complex and severe." The KMT and CPC "play important roles in the development of cross-strait relations" and must "grasp the correct direction," strengthen confidence and determination, and work together to promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, "jointly creating the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation." Song Tao also put forward three expectations for the KMT: first, to "firmly seek peace for the two sides of the Strait"; second, to "firmly seek well-being for compatriots"; and third, to "firmly seek the rejuvenation of the nation." He pointed out that "adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing Taiwan independence" is the common political foundation established by the KMT and CPC in 2005, and it is the "stabilizing force for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations." The CPC is willing to work with the KMT to "adhere to the 1992 Consensus and oppose Taiwan independence," jointly safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations. He also declared that the CPC "will never tolerate the division and destruction of the common homeland of the Chinese nation, and compatriots on both sides of the Strait are fully capable and wise enough to resolve their own affairs." The CPC is willing to work with the KMT to actively promote cross-strait exchanges and cooperation, integrated development, continuously enhance the interests and well-being of people on both sides of the Strait, and promote "spiritual affinity." Song Tao said that this year marks the 160th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen's birth, and the gathering in Nanjing has "special significance" for "revisiting and inheriting Sun Yat-sen's legacy and working together to rejuvenate China." As for today being a "new starting point for deepening exchanges and dialogue between the two parties," he believes that Cheng Li-wen's trip will allow her to personally experience the "great development achievements" made by the mainland under the leadership of CPC General Secretary Xi Jinping and the CPC. Cheng Li-wen and her delegation arrived in Nanjing in the evening and are scheduled to pay respects at Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum tomorrow morning, then proceed to Shanghai for a visit. (Edited by Qiu Guojiang/Xie Yixuan) 1150407