Nationalists oppose Taiwan’s independence: Communists, KMT hold first meeting in 60 years
BEIJING, April 29: Leaders from China’s Communist Party met Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang party on Friday for the first time in nearly 60 years, pledging to reject the island’s independence in a bid to reduce tensions in one of the region’s most dangerous flashpoints. Kuomintang (KMT) chairman Lien Chan held talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao at the Great Hall of the People here amid increasing concern in Beijing over Taiwan’s pro-independence government.
Following the landmark discussions, the two parties issued a joint statement in which both agreed to oppose Taiwan’s formal independence.
“Both parties recognized that ... opposing Taiwan independence is the common position of the two parties,” said the statement, read by KMT spokesman Chang Jung-Kung to reporters.
But both parties agreed to push forward cross-strait talks, including discussions on ending the current state of hostility and reaching a peace agreement, the statement said.
The two sides would also urge consultations to help Taiwan “participate in international activities,” especially realizing the island’s hope to join the World Health Organization, he said.
“Although differences between our two parties remain, as long as both sides can place importance on the interests of the Chinese nation, on the common prosperity of the compatriots on both sides of the strait, we will be able to overcome differences and create a bright future,” President Hu said.
Taiwan’s government expressed disappointment at the talks, saying China was not sincere in improving cross-strait ties.
Mr Lien’s visit is the first by a KMT chairman since the nationalists fled to the island off southeastern mainland China after losing a bloody civil war to the Communists in 1949.
Mr Lien’s meeting with President Hu came amid growing tension following China’s decision last month to adopt an anti-secession law giving its military the legal basis to invade Taiwan.
Before going into private talks, Mr Hu conceded that the state of relations between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland was “complicated”.
However, he said: “We must show the world the Chinese people on both sides of the strait have the ability, the wisdom to resolve this contradiction and problem.”—AFP
BEIJING, April 29: Leaders from China’s Communist Party met Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang party on Friday for the first time in nearly 60 years, pledging to reject the island’s independence in a bid to reduce tensions in one of the region’s most dangerous flashpoints. Kuomintang (KMT) chairman Lien Chan held talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao at the Great Hall of the People here amid increasing concern in Beijing over Taiwan’s pro-independence government.