January 5, 2003
At the New Year tea party of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mainland CPC General Secretary Hu Jintao points out that in the new year, the Mainland Government will, as usual, be firm in its basic guiding principles of "peaceful unification and one country, two systems," and the eight-point proposal of Jiang Zemin on the present stage development of cross-Strait relations, and on leading the nation on the road to peaceful unification, as well as promote the resumption of cross-Strait dialogue and negotiations under the foundation of the principle of "one China," reinforce cross-Strait interaction and exchanges, actively promote cross-Strait direct "Three-Links," and firmly oppose any separatist movement of "Taiwanese independence" advocates.
January 3, 2003
With regard to the New Year's Day message statement of President Chen Shui-bian, the Spokesperson of the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office expresses that cross-Strait relations will gain a significant improvement as long as Taiwan's leaders consider the interests of the Taiwanese compatriots, sincerely approve of cross-Strait direct links and agree to resume dialogue and negotiations under the foundation of the "1992 Consensus" reached by the SEF and the ARATS.
January 15, 2003
The Mainland's National Conference of Taiwan Affairs Office Directors lowers the curtain and PRC Vice Premier Qian Qichen points out in the closing ceremony that the cross-Strait "Three-Links" are an economic affair, and that negotiations need not involve the political significance of "one China," but should be actively promoted based on the principle that "political divergence should not affect and interfere with the spirit of cross-Strait economic cooperation."
January 24, 2003
At the forum held in commemoration of the 8th anniversary of Jiang's "Eight-Point Proposal," The Mainland central government's Taiwan Affairs Office and the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office Director Chen Yunlin points out that the chartered flights during the Lunar New Year that will take Taiwanese businessmen back to Taiwan and the direct "Three-Links" are a separate issue. The Mainland side expresses intention for the pragmatic promotion and active implementation of the "Three-Links" and welcomes mayors and magistrates of cities and counties in Taiwan to pay a visit to the Mainland someday.
January 31, 2003
At a Lunar New Year mass greetings ceremony, PRC Premier Zhu Rongji issues a statement expressing that the Mainland will continue to be firm in the basic guiding principles of "peaceful unification and one country, two systems" and in Jiang Zemin's "Eight-Point Proposal." The Mainland opposes any separatist movements of any "Taiwanese independence groups," actively enhances the cross-Strait direct "Three-Links," and reinforces exchanges and cooperation on economics and culture.
February 16, 2003
PRC Vice Premier Qian Qichen expresses that the chartered flights during the Lunar New Year and the routes between Xiamen and Kinmen and between Mawei and Matsu are a "one ticket for the entire flight" transport scheme over land, air, and water, and provide convenience to the travel needs of Taiwanese compatriots. The people concerned on both sides of the Strait should work together to promote real direct flights and the cross-Strait "Three-Links."
February 20, 2003
In a meeting with the visiting delegation of the Association of Independent Legislators of Taiwan headed by Legislator Walis Pelin at the Zhongnanhai in Beijing, Qian Qichen expresses that an important mark of the improvement of cross-Strait relations is the resumption of cross-Strait dialogue and negotiations.
March 4, 2003
At the 1st session of the Mainland's 10th National People's Congress, Spokesperson Jiang Enzhu clearly points out that its Taiwan policy will remain unchanged after the 10th Congress. Whatever changes will occur in the Mainland's leadership in the future, it is clear that its basic guiding principles on Taiwan will remain unchanged. This is to stand firm in "peaceful unification and one country, two systems."
March 5, 2003
At the 1st session of the 10th National People's Congress, PRC Premier Zhu Rongji states his government work report. In the future, the Mainland's Taiwan policy will still abide by the basic guiding principles of "peaceful unification and one country, two systems," as well as Jiang's "Eight-Point Proposal," in order to fight for the resumption of cross-Strait talks and negotiations as soon as possible on the basis of the principle of "one China." It will also oppose any statement and behavior that will create an independent Taiwan, or two Chinas, or one China and one Taiwan. In the future, cross-Strait personnel exchanges and cooperation will be expanded, and the cross-Strait direct "Three-Links" will be actively promoted.
March 9, 2003
The Mainland State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Zhang Mingqing reiterates that the Mainland has disapproved allowing foreign capital to invest in cross-Strait transport.
March 11, 2003
PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Kung Quan states the hope for the European Commission to abide by the principle of "one China" in action, by strictly adhering to the agreement that offices concerned may not engage in any political and diplomatic activities, and that no official relations be developed in any form with Taiwan.
March 11, 2003
Attending a conference of the Taiwan delegation of the 1st session of the 10th National People's Congress, CPC General Secretary Hu Jintao proposes four recommendations on the work on Taiwan under the new trend, and emphasizes that as long as Taiwan clearly accepts the principle of "one China," both sides of the Strait can resume dialogue and negotiations immediately.
March 15, 2003
The 1st conference of the Mainland's 10th National People's Congress elects Jiang Zemin as Chairman of the Central Military Commission.
March 16, 2003
The Mainland's 10th National People's Congress holds the 6th plenary session of its 1st conference, where in a smooth transition Wen Jiabao replaces Zhu Rongji as Premier of the State Council.
March 18, 2003
At the press conference for local and foreign journalists after the closing of the 1st conference of the 10th National People's Congress, PRC newly-appointed State Council Premier Wen Jiabao expresses that the new government will firmly implement the guiding principles of "peaceful unification and one country, two systems" and advocate that both sides of the Strait resume dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible on the basis of the principle of "one China." It is opposed against Taiwan independence, will continue to promote cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges, push for an immediate implementation of cross-Strait direct "Three-Links," and strive for more progress in peaceful unification.
March 20, 2003
The Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office and the Ministry of Civil Affairs jointly promulgate the "Temporary Guidelines for the Management of Taiwanese Businessmens' Associations" wherein Article 11 stipulates that the president and vice president of the Taiwanese Businessmen's Associations should "adhere to the principle of "one China," support national reunification, and actively work hard for the enhancement of cross-Strait economic exchanges and cooperation."
March 21, 2003
Pu Zhaozhou, Director of the Office of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao Affairs of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, expresses that due to US military action against Iraq, it is opening up the Mainland's air space for passage of aircraft of Taiwanese airline companies in order to guarantee flight safety of civilian aircraft. Hope is made that Taiwanese airline companies submit their applications as early as possible, and so negotiations could be made on concrete technical details.
March 26, 2003
At a Taiwan Affairs Office press conference, Zhang Mingqing expresses that the Mainland expresses its utmost sincerity and goodwill intentions toward the Koo-Wang talks. The problem lies on the Taiwan side. Only when Taiwan acknowledges the "one China" and the "1992 Consensus" will "negotiations and dialogue between the SEF and the ARATS be resumed immediately."
April 3, 2003
At a press meeting, PRC Minister of Public Health Zhang Wenkang expresses that it intends to consult with related medical experts in Taiwan, discuss and come up with solutions together on SARS prevention.
April 6, 2003
PRC Premier Wen Jiabao expresses that it intends to engage in cooperation in all forms of SARS control and prevention with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Taiwan area.
April 8, 2003
PRC President Hu Jintao issues instructions to provide necessary assistance to the areas of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. Vice Premier Wu Yi will take charge of SARS-related affairs in Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.
April 26, 2003
In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Koo-Wang talks, the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office Director Chen Yunlin issues an article on "the Active Promotion of Cross-Strait Dialogue and Negotiations in order to Open up a New era in the Development of Cross-Strait Relations," expressing that only when Taiwan authorities clearly acknowledge the 1992 Consensus will it authorize the ARATS to resume negotiations, dialogue, and normal exchanges with Taiwan's SEF.
April 26, 2003
In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Koo-Wang talks, PRC Councilor Tang Jiaxuan reiterates in his article on "Compatriots on Both Sides of the Strait Unite to Promote Together the Great Revival of the Chinese Race" that the "Three-Links" are an economic issue and should be negotiated on a fair basis between civilian organizations of both sides of the Strait. The negotiations may not involve the political significance of the "one China," but the "Three-Links" should not be referred to as a "state-to-state" affair.
April 26, 2003
In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Koo-Wang talks, ARATS Chairman Wang Daohan states three opinions in his article on the "Cross-Strait Dialogue and Negotiations Is the Only Way to Peacefully Solve the Issues," and reiterates that under the foundation of the principle of "one China," the Mainland is willing to engage in negotiations in pragmatic fashion wherein both sides will be on an equal footing, and to properly deal with the issues that concern the Taiwan side.
April 28, 2003
The chiefs of the Taiwan Affairs Office and the ARATS call on both sides of the Strait to reinforce cooperation in SARS prevention.
April 29, 2003
The Spokesperson for the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office expresses that due to the SARS epidemic in some areas in the Mainland and in Taiwan, and in order to guarantee the health of the people on both sides of the Strait, the officials of agencies responsible for exchanges with Taiwan have decided to temporarily suspend the review of recent delegations to Taiwan and the trip of certain delegations to Taiwan.
May 6, 2003
Wu Yi, PRC Vice Premier and Minister of Health and the person in charge of the Mainland's SARS Prevention Team, says that as part of China, Taiwan has no qualification to join the World Health Organization, which only accepts sovereign nations as members.
May 8, 2003
Zhang Qiyue, the Spokesperson for the PRC Foreign Affairs Ministry, states the Mainland's firm opposition to Taiwan's application for observer status at the World Health Assembly.
May 15, 2003
Zhang Qiyue, the Spokesperson for the PRC Foreign Affairs Ministry, reiterates at a press conference that as a province of China, Taiwan is neither qualified to join the World Health Organization (WHO) nor to participate in the World Health Assembly (WHA) in an observer capacity.
May 19, 2003
After obtaining information regarding the failure of Taiwan's attempt to participate in the World Health Assembly, Zhang Qiyue, the Spokesperson for PRC Foreign Affairs Ministry, immediately releases a statement pointing out that any plot to create "two Chinas" or "one China and one Taiwan" in the international arena is doomed futile.
May 28, 2003
Li Weiyi, Spokesperson for the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office, points out at a press conference that in order to guarantee the smooth implementation of the chartered flights for the transport of goods across the Strait, it is suggested that the civilian organizations of the aviation industry or the civilian airline companies of both sides of the Strait communicate issues pertaining to the cross-Strait chartered flights and reach a consensus among themselves.
June 1, 2003
In a meeting at the G8 Summit in France, PRC President Hu Jintao and US President George Bush state that the Taiwan issue has all along been the most important and most sensitive core issue in Sino-US relations. Remaining firm in its guiding principles of "peaceful reunification and one country, two systems," the Chinese Government is willing to exert its best effort to fight for the materialization of cross-Strait reunification through peaceful means.
June 17, 2003
Liu Jianchao, the Spokesperson for the PRC Foreign Affairs Ministry, says that the plan of Taiwan authorities to add the word "Taiwan" on the "passports" issued by them is not only an extension of their gradual separatist movement for Taiwanese independence, but is also another serious action that harms bilateral relations, which should arouse a heightened vigilance among the entire Chinese people.
June 19, 2003
Zhang Mingqing, the Spokesperson for the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office, says that with the gradual easing of the SARS situation on both sides of the Strait, it is hoped that cross-Strait exchanges will return to normal as soon as possible. The Mainland side will take corresponding measures depending on the actions to be taken by the Taiwan side.
June 20, 2003
The Singapore Straits Times points out that Mainland's Central Leading Group for Taiwan Affairs has met for the first time. In that meeting, Hu Jintao mentions the three priority works concerning Taiwan, i.e., putting a stop to US intervention in cross-Strait affairs, enhancing cross-Strait exchanges, and strengthening military preparedness to counteract unexpected incidents.
June 24, 2003
Wu Yi, PRC Vice Premier and Minister of Health, states during a meeting with a World Health Organization official that the Mainland has always been concerned about the SARS situation in Taiwan and that communication channels with Taiwan are open. The Mainland will henceforth remain active in promoting health cooperation between both sides of the Strait. However, we firmly disapprove of using technical matters for political purposes.
June 25, 2003
Li Weiyi, Spokesperson for the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office, reiterates at a regular press conference that Taiwan authorities are conniving with a minority group of Taiwanese independence advocates by intending to hold the so-called "public referendum" in order to engage in separatist activities, destroy the peace across the Taiwan Strait, and create tension in cross-Strait relations. This is against the basic interests of the entire Chinese people, including those of the Taiwanese compatriots. The Mainland is firmly opposed to this.
July 7, 2003
In a meeting with a visiting delegation composed of members of Taiwan's "Chinese Professors' Association," Chen Yunlin, director of the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office, calls on the Taiwanese people to remain calm and refrain from creating a new crisis by changing the status quo.
July 16, 2003
During a meeting in Beijing with a visiting delegation composed of members of Taiwan's industrial union sector, Chen Yunlin, director of the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office, states that the Mainland will continue to protect the rights of Taiwan compatriots in the Mainland, to enhance and develop cross-Strait relations, and to promote cross-Strait personnel exchanges, as well as economic and cultural exchanges, in order to promote the materialization of the cross-Strait "Three-Links" as soon as possible.
July 17, 2003
Tang Shubei, head of the Beijing-based Research Center for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, points out in an address at the opening of the "Forum on Cross-Strait Relations" that the resumption of cross-Strait dialogue and negotiations should be conducted under the "One China" principle, in order to achieve stability, to improve and develop cross-Strait relations.
July 17, 2003
In a special interview with the Phoenix Chinese Channel of Hong Kong, Wang Zaixi, deputy director of the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office, reiterates that the new leadership formed after the 16th Congress puts much importance on the Taiwan issue and is very concerned about the Taiwanese people. The Mainland's Taiwan policy will maintain its continuity and consistency. At the same time, it will also make adjustments according to the trend of the times.
July 18, 2003
At the conclusion of the "Forum on Cross-Strait Relations," Wang Zaixi, deputy director of the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office, puts forth concerete proposals for the development of cross-Strait relations, namely, 1) highlighting trade and economic exchanges and cooperation; 2) implementing the direct "Three-Links" as soon as possible; and 3) resuming cross-Strait dialogue as soon as possible.
July 31, 2003
The Spokesperson for the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office states that they have a clear stance and a definite baseline with regard to the so-called public referendum being advocated by certain people in Taiwan. If a public referendum is going to be exploited for engaging in separatist activities and destroying the peace across the Taiwan Strait, this would run counter to the basic interests of the entire Chinese people, including those of Taiwanese compatriots. The Mainland is firmly opposed to this.
July 31, 2003
During a toast at the celebration of the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army, Cao Gangchuan, vice-chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission and Minister of National Defence, reiterates the Mainland's guiding principles on Taiwan. He stresses that the PLA has the determination and the capability to defend the PRC's sovereignty and the integrity of its territory, and that it will never allow any force to separate Taiwan from the Mainland in any way.
August 7, 2003
In a meeting with the delegation composed of Taiwan's media executives, Tang Jiaxuan, Councillor of the PRC's State Council, emphasizes that the Mainland side will not sit by and watch Taiwan's position of "one country on either side." If Taiwan wishes to develop this policy of "one country on each side" through a public referendum, it will absolutely not concede.
August 16, 2003
Regarding the "one objective, three phases" timetable proposed by President Chen Shui-bian on the direct cross-Strait transportation links and regarding the "Assessment of the Impact of Direct Cross-Strait Transportation" announced by the Executive Yuan, Zhang Mingqing, Spokesperson of the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office, states that the Mainland side has long been prepared for the direct transportation links, and that both sides of the Strait can start negotiations anytime. However, the Taiwan authorities should be sincere.
August 19, 2003
Concerning the "Assessment of the Impact of Direct Cross-Strait Transportation ," Wang Zaixi, Deputy Director of the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office, believes that Taiwan lacks sincerity concerning the cross-Strait "Three- Links." He reiterates that the cross-Strait civilian entities should commence negotiations on the "Three-Links" as soon as possible, and achieve a simple and feasible agreement.
August 26, 2003
At the 12th Symposium on Cross-Strait Relations, Wang Zaixi, Deputy Director of the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office, states that political differences should not be made an obstacle and an excuse to reject the "Three- Links." The negotiations on the "Three-Links" are not political negotiations, and can not involve the political implication of the "one China."
September 2, 2003
In a press conference, Kong Quan, Spokesperson of the PRC's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, declares that the addition of "Taiwan" on the cover of a new version of passports is a display of gradual Taiwan independence. It has, at the same time, destroyed cross-Strait relations. The Mainland is firmly opposed to this.
September 7, 2003
On the demonstration for rectification of Taiwan's official name, the Spokesperson of PRC State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office issues a statement declaring that this is a step in the process of "creeping Taiwanese independence," and that this is contrary to the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan.
September 10, 2003
At the Moscow Conference of the "Global Effort of Overseas Chinese to Promote the Peaceful Unification of China," Zhang Mingqing, Assistant of the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office, issues a statement saying that no matter which political party or individual is in power in Taiwan, it is hoped that they will all abide by the "one China" principle, and that the cross-Strait direct "Three-Links" will be implemented through cross-Strait dialogue and negotiation on the basis of "one China."
September 10, 2003
At the opening ceremony of the Beijing-Taipei Scientific and Technical Forum, Li Bingcai, Deputy Director of the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office, is willing to listen extensively to the views and recommendations of the people from Taiwan's scientific, technological, and industrial sectors on such issues as the cross-Strait mechanism for economic cooperation, so as to propel cross-Strait economic and scientific and technological cooperation toward higher and newer standards.
September 11, 2003
ARATS officials express that the Mainland side has always consistently put much emphasis on the preservation of the proper rights and interests of the people on both sides of the Strait, and firmly fought against all criminal activities impairing the rights and interests of people on both sides of the Strait.
September 11, 2003
Zhou Mingwei, Deputy Director of the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office, states that there is a certain obstacle in the current state of cross-Strait relations, and that Taiwan's passive restriction to refuse the permanent stationing of media journalists from one side of the Strait to the other side has caused a difficult situation. We intend to probe into the possibility of negotiations between private organizations or between the media sectors or on a special case basis, to promote the permanent stationing of cross-Strait media journalists on the other side of the Strait.
September 15, 2003
With regard to the MAC's promulgation of the "Measures for the Cross-Strait Feight Facilitation," Tang Jiaxuan, Councillor in charge of Taiwan Affairs at the Mainland's State Council, states that the freight facilitation across the Strait is part of cross-Strait economic affairs and the negotiations should therefore be handed over to the private sector. The Mainland's stance is very clear and definite, which insists that the measures should conform to the principles of mutual benefit and reciprocity.
September 15, 2003
Pu Zhaozhou, Chief official of the PRC's Civil Aviation Association makes an unprecedented official response to the measures for the Cross-Strait freight facilitation. Pu reiterates that regular flights and non-regular chartered flights for cargo transportation alike should be handled based on the principle that they must be "domestic affairs, direct and bidirectional, and mutually beneficial and reciprocal." He also states the Mainland's consistent position that the direct cross-Strait transportation links is economic affairs and should not be affected by political factors.
September 17, 2003
An experimental manned space flight of the Mainland's Shenzhou-5 spacecraft will be conducted within the year. Mainland agricultural experts say that the spacecraft can take Taiwanese crops seeds into space for scientific experiments.
September 24, 2003
In response to the MAC's recent promulgation of the measures for the cross-Strait freight facilitation, Li Weiyi, Spokesperson for the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office, emphasizes at a press conference that the related matters on the direct cross-Strait transportation links shall be handled as bidirectional and mutually beneficial and reciprocal under the principle that it be considered internal domestic affairs. Pu Zhaozhou, Director for General Affairs of China Civil Aviation Association, also states at the press conference that without conducting any negotiations between civilian entities, Taiwan authorities unilaterally promulgated the "measures the cross-Strait freight facilitation," which we consider very anomalous, very improper, and unacceptable.
September 24, 2003
Li Weiyi, Spokesperson for the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office, points out that Taiwan authorities recently edited senior high school history textbooks categorizing modern Chinese history under world history. This is another step taken by the Taiwanese authorities in promoting "gradual Taiwanese independence" in the educational sector.
September 30, 2003
At a reception of the celebration of its 54th anniversary of the People's Republic, Premier, Wen Jiabao, issues a statement declaring that we should adhere to the principle of "one China" and firmly oppose any activity conducted by Taiwanese separatists to split up the motherland.
October 8, 2003
In answering questions posed by reporters, the Spokesperson for the PRC State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office attacks President Chen Shui-bian's recent statements for advocating Taiwanese independence, such as denial of the "1992 Consensus" of the principle of "one China," advocacy of "one country on each side," and the "proposal for the writing of a new constitution."
October 9, 2003
In an address at the "Assembly of Overseas Chinese and Ethnic Chinese Associations Around the World," Deputy Director Zhou Mingwei of the PRC's Taiwan Affairs Office states that although the present situation in Taiwan is very complicated and that peaceful unification is also facing a greater degree of difficulty, the basic structure and development trend of cross-Strait relations remain unchanged.
October 13, 2003
PRC releases its "Document of China's Policy on the European Union," emphasizing that the "one China" policy is an important element in the political foundation of Chinese-European relations, the stable development of which is affected by the proper handling of the Taiwan issue. The Mainland China also demands that the members of the European Union disallow Taiwanese political figures from proceeding to the European Union or any of its member states to engage in activities for any reason, and to avoid contact and communication of official nature with the Taiwanese authorities.
October 19, 2003
PRC President Hu Jintao meets with US President George Bush in the Thai capital city of Bangkok. Hu Jintao points out that the Mainland is firm in its basic guiding principles of "peaceful unification and !￥one country, two systems,' " that it will try its very best to solve the Taiwan issue by peaceful means, and that it will never tolerate "Taiwan independence."
October 21, 2003
In a meeting with a Taiwanese trade and economic delegation, Jia Qinglin, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China's Central Committee and Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, points out that only the promotion of the implementation of the direct "Three-Links" as soon as possible conforms to the common expectations and basic interests of the peoples on both sides of the Strait, and reiterates that the Mainland side has always advocated not allowing political differences to influence and distract cross-Strait economic cooperation.
October 24, 2003
In an address at the Australian Parliament, PRC President Hu Jintao states that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Mainland's territory. The realization of the complete unification of China as soon as possible is the common expectation and firm resolve of the entire Chinese people. The separatist activities engaged by the advocates for "Taiwan independence" is the greatest threat against peace across the Taiwan Strait. We are firmly against "Taiwan independence."
October 26, 2003
The Spokesperson for the PRC's Taiwan Affairs Office issues a statement in reaction to the demonstration staged in connection with the referendum and the writing of a new constitution pointing out that President Chen Shui-bian has claimed several times that the promise of the "four no's plus one" policy will remain unchanged. However, these are all browbeating words.
October 28, 2003
The Mainland's Xinhua News Agency reports that in a meeting with a delegation from Taiwan's United Daily News group, PRC State Council member Tang Jiaxuan expresses that the cross-Strait 'Three-Links' is an economic issue and should be pragmatically promoted under the spirit of direct links and two-way travel, in search of mutual benefit and win-win situation, and through negotiations on an equal basis.
October 29, 2003
At a press conference, Zhao Mingqing, Spokesperson for the PRC's Taiwan Affairs Office, points out that it has never maintained any opposing stance toward the economic and cultural exchange activities of Taiwan with the civilian sector of other countries. However, it is against Taiwan's using the international venue in engaging in activities related to "one China and one Taiwan," which splits the motherland. Any inappropriate action of President Chen Shui-bian during his transit in the US will directly affect Sino-US relations and will also cause tense cross-Strait relations.
October 29, 2003
In a regular press conference of the PRC's Taiwan Affairs Office, Spokesperson Zhang Mingqing states that the major headline in October is the successful launching of the Shenzhou-5 spacecraft. This is a joint honor for the Chinese people on both sides of the Strait.
November 12, 2003
At a regular press conference, Spokesperson for the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office Li Weiyi points out that the Mainland is willing to take measures to actively assist in implementing the chartered flights for the Taiwanese businessmen returning home during the Lunar New Year Holidays. However, he also expresses firm opposition to the proposed negotiations on the direct transportation and the "Three-Links" under the framework of "one country on each side."
November 12, 2003
At a regular press conference, Spokesperson for the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office Li Weiyi expresses discontent with the statements of President Chen Shui-bian during his stopover in the US, pointing out that President Chen Shui-bian is deliberately challenging the "one China principle" and engaging in separatist activities through holding a referendum. This is an evidence that the so-called "Four No's Plus One" pledge is a blatant lie to the people of the world.
November 14, 2003
Pu Zhaozhou, Director of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC)'s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, points out in a press release that the Mainland hopes the Taiwan side will take practical measures to abide by the principles of "direct and two-way interaction; mutual benefit and reciprocity" and carry out the real significance of the direct chartered flights during the Lunar New Year Holidays.
November 23, 2003
In a special interview with the Washington Post, PRC Premier Wen Jiabao points out that the Mainland's policies on Taiwan are clear and definite, which include the stances on "peaceful reunification and one country, two systems" and "that no administration would abandon peaceful reunification." The Mainland will also safeguard reunification "at any cost," and demand that the US explicitly oppose Taiwan's promotion of its independence through holding a referendum and writing a new constitution.
November 26, 2003
At a regular press conference, Spokesperson for the Mainland State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office Zhang Mingqing points out that with regard to the chartered flights during the Lunar New Year Holidays next year, the Mainland side is firm in its stance on the principles of "direct and two-way interaction; mutual benefit and reciprocity." It welcomes the civilian air carriers of both sides to conduct negotiations on the technical and commercial aspects of the matter.
November 26, 2003
At a regular press conference, Spokesperson for the Mainland State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office Zhang Mingqing states that if Taiwan passes an "unlimited" referendum law that involves contents of the national flag, national title, and territory under its jurisdiction, the Mainland side will make a strong reaction. At the same time, if President Chen Shui-bian refuses to come to his senses and is bent on having his own way in creating an incident involving "Taiwan independence," Beijing will certainly not just sit idly by..
November 28, 2003
The Mainland points out in the name of the "Spokesperson for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office" that "we are seriously concerned about the related situation of Taiwan's 'legislation of referendum' and are closely monitoring related developments."
December 1, 2003
At the forum marking the 60th anniversary of the Cairo Declaration, the PRC's Taipei Affairs Office Vice Director Wang Zaixi reiterates that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China. China will never allow any individual to split Taiwan away from China by any means.
December 2, 2003
At a regular press conference, the PRC's Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao states that China hopes the US will explicitly oppose the various provocative actions taken by Taiwan authorities to split China, and appropriately deal with the Taiwan issue, so as to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan area and the common interests between China and the US.
December 7, 2003
In a meeting with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in New York, PRC Premier Wen Jiabao expresses that Beijing understands the demands of the Taiwanese people for democracy. He adds that, "however, the separatist forces of the Taiwan administration are attempting to split Taiwan away from China under the guise of democracy, which we shall not tolerate." He further emphasizes that as long as there is a ray of hope, the Chinese government will never abandon using peaceful means to solve the Taiwan issue.
December 9, 2003
PRC Premier Wen Jiabao holds talks with US President George Bush during his visit to the US and emphasizes that the basic guiding principle in the solution of the Taiwan issue has all along been peaceful reunification and under the "one country, two systems." The Mainland will make its best efforts and show its sincerity to achieve peaceful reunification with Taiwan in the end.The administration of Taiwan's Chen Shui-bian engages in a defensive referendum under the guise of democracy, seeking to split Taiwan away from the Mainland. China will neither accept nor tolerate such forms of separatist activities.
December 10, 2003
In an interview with the CNN, PRC's Premier Wen Jiabao criticizes President Chen Shui-bian's proposal of a "defensive referendum," which is carrying out "Taiwanese independence" activities under the guise of democracy, which is therefore fraudulent in nature.
December 16, 2003
In a press conference, PRC Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Liu Jianchao reiterates that Beijing opposes the split of Taiwan from China by any individual for any reason, and states that China's use of its military might to exercise its obligation to preserve its national sovereignty and territorial integrity is not at all the same as terrorism.
December 17, 2003
In a press conference, PRC's Taiwan Affairs Office releases its policy paper on "Prioritizing the Needs of the People, Working for the Welfare of the People, and Promoting the Cross-Strait 'Three-Links' in an Aggressively Pragmatic Attitude," totalling 9,500 words. The paper expounds on the Mainland's basic position and policy views on the "Three-Links," as well as practical issues related to banners and documents in connection with the cross-Strait direct transportation links.
December 17, 2003
In a regular press conference, PRC's Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Li Weiyi points out that President Chen Shui-bian's insistence in holding a "defensive referendum," which is directly targeted at the Mainland, is a serious provocation to the principle of "one China," the stable development of cross-Strait relations, and the peaceful situation across the Taiwan Strait.
December 25, 2003
In a meeting held in Beijing with about a hundred leaders of Taiwanese businessmen, PRC President Hu Jintao emphasizes that the Mainland will not allow Taiwanese separatist forces to split China, and strightforwardly points out that the problem in the implementation of the "Three-Links" is not with Beijing. He reiterates that political divergences will not affect cross-Strait economic cooperation. Provided that it is advantageous to the Taiwanese people, China will try its best to promote any policy.
December 26, 2003
Presiding at a forum held in Beijing in commemmoration of the 110th anniversary of Mao Tse-tung, PRC President Hu Jintao issues a lengthy statement mentioning PRC's Taiwan policy. He reiterates that the Mainland shall continue to uphold the guiding principles of peaceful reunification and "one country, two systems;" to carry out Jiang Zemin's "Eight-Point Proposals;" to reinforce cross-Strait personnel exchanges, as well as economic, cultural, and exchanges in other areas; and to maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait.
December 31, 2003
In a press conference, the PRC's Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Zhang Mingqing emphasizes that the insistence of the administration of Chen Shui-bian in his proposal of "one country on each side" in handling the issue of the "Three-Links" constitutes the greatest obstacle to the implementation of the cross-Strait "Three-Links."
December 31, 2003
Pu Zhaozhou, Director of the Office of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao Affairs of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, expresses his views on the issue of the chartered flights during the Lunar New Year Holidays next year for the Taiwanese businessmen. If the Taiwan side promises to allow two-way flights across the Strait in next year's chartered flights during the Lunar New Year Holidays, the Mainland can allow Taiwan's carriers to fly "one-way" flights this time directly flying from Taipei and Kaohsiung to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xiamen, without stopping over a third point. Moreover, it is hoped that the carriers of both sides engage in negotiations on the concrete details of the technical aspects of operating such flights as soon as possible.