18th Cross-Strait Forum Held in Xiamen, Reaffirming One-China Principle and 1992 Consensus

(Central News Agency reporter Liao Wen-chi, Shanghai, 13th) The 18th Cross-Strait Forum was held today in Xiamen. Wang Huning, Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, reaffirmed China's commitment to the 'One-China Principle' and the '1992 Consensus,' and firmly opposed Taiwan independence. Chang Jung-kung, Vice Chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT), attended the forum and expressed appreciation for its significance in cross-strait civil exchanges.

According to Xinhua News Agency, Wang Huning stated that in April this year, President Xi Jinping's meeting with KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-chen delivered remarks that injected strong momentum into promoting peaceful cross-strait development, enhancing exchanges and cooperation, and deepening integration.

Wang reiterated, 'We consistently uphold the One-China Principle and the 1992 Consensus, firmly advancing on the path of peaceful cross-strait development and resolutely promoting the great cause of national reunification,' and 'firmly oppose separatist activities for Taiwan independence and foreign interference.' Mainland China adheres to the concept of 'compatriots on both sides of the strait being one family,' implements policies ensuring equal treatment for Taiwan compatriots, and welcomes Taiwanese individuals and enterprises to actively participate in cross-strait exchanges, cooperation, and integrated development.

The Taiwan delegation was led by KMT Vice Chairman Chang Jung-kung. According to a press release on the KMT website, Chang stated in his speech that amid the current breakdown of official negotiation and communication mechanisms between the two sides, active KMT-CCP relations and civil exchanges serve as a cornerstone for peaceful cross-strait development and stability in the Taiwan Strait, deserving recognition and support from all sectors in Taiwan and the region. He added, 'This proves that adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing Taiwan independence is the correct stance and direction.'

He emphasized that Taiwan's pursuit of prosperity and the mainland's push for integrated development both concern people's well-being, which requires peace—'Peace brings prosperity to Taiwan' and 'Peace enables integration.' This year marks the 18th edition of the Cross-Strait Forum, continuing its consistent theme of 'expanding civil exchanges and deepening integrated development,' aiming to enhance people's well-being.

Prior to the opening of the forum, Wang Huning met with Chang Jung-kung and other representatives from Taiwan.

Additionally, according to China News Service, mainland Chinese actor Zhang Linghe also attended the forum and delivered a speech, expressing gratitude to friends who invited him to Taiwan. He expressed hope for more extensive, deeper, and broader exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in film, television, music, and culture.

Zhang Linghe's mainland historical drama 'Chasing Jade' previously sparked a craze in Taiwan, earning him many fans there. Cheng Li-chen once remarked, 'Why do adults make cross-strait relations so complicated? Just invite Zhang Linghe to Taiwan, and that's enough.'

On the 4th, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) announced a ban on central agencies, local governments, public officials, and civil servants from participating in activities related to the Cross-Strait Forum. The MAC emphasized that the forum is a united front platform used by the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate Taiwan under the guise of cross-strait exchanges.

Today, the MAC issued a press release stating that Wang Huning, during his meeting with Taiwan's opposition figures and his keynote speech, reiterated old narratives such as the 'One-China Principle' and the '1992 Consensus,' once again blaming Taiwan for the current stalemate in cross-strait relations.

The MAC stressed that the fundamental reason for the failure of cross-strait communication mechanisms is the Chinese authorities' refusal to acknowledge the objective existence of the Republic of China, their imposition of political preconditions for dialogue, and their failure to pragmatically address mainstream public opinion in Taiwan. It expressed deep regret over Taiwan's opposition figures echoing Beijing's distorted narratives. (Editor: Yang Sheng-ju) 1150613