January 1, 2013
General Secretary Xi Jinping of the Comunist Party of China Central Committee (CPCCC) stated at a New Year's tea reception held by the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference that, the Mainland would continue to promote the deepening of cross-strait exchanges and cooperation, adhere to the policy of "peaceful reunification and one country, two systems", consolidate and develop the basis for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, and work for the benefit of compatriots on both sides of the Strait.
January 11, 2013
ARATS Chairman Chen Yunlin stated during a meeting with overseas Chinese community leaders in Los Angeles that adherence to the "1992 Consensus" was written into National Congress of the Communist Party of China official documents for the first time at the 18th Congress, indicating the significance of the "1992 Consensus" as the political foundation for peaceful development of cross-strait relations. He proposed that both sides should strengthen and safeguard the common acknowledgement of the one-China framework. He also expressed hope that, on the basis of identifying with and adhering to one China, the two sides could seek connections, and expand mutual common ground, and reinforce mutual inclusiveness to deepen political mutual trust, strengthen positive interaction, and build forward momentum for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations. He stressed that through strengthening of the institutionalized platform and with the will to conduct negotiations on equal footing, the institutionalized constructions for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations for exchange and cooperation on all levels across the Strait could be enhanced, and thus further consolidate peaceful cross-strait relations. He proposed for the two sides to explore the unique cross-strait political situation of non-unification at the time being, and to make sensible and reasonable arrangements in this regard. He also expressed hopes for gradually creating conditions to resolve crucial issues across the Strait, and also to further expand the road forward for cross-strait relations.
January 16, 2013
The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) stated at a regular press conference that, in the coming year, it would expand cross-strait negotiations, exchanges and cooperations while bearing in mind the principle concept of handling easy matters before difficult ones and progressing in an orderly manner; it would also promote stability and orderly development in cross-strait relations, expand developments in various levels of cross-strait relations, such as in the political, economic, cultural, and social fields; and would continue efforts to create a new era of peaceful development of cross-strait relations. As for the Kinmen water supply problem, the TAO stated that water may be supplied to Kinmen from coastal areas of Fujian so long as the Taiwan side gives consent. Furthermore, political issues objectively exist and will have to be faced sooner or later, the TAO said, and that the two sides should look actively into the future, and try to create conditions and build consensus finally to resolve difficult political and military issues.
The TAO also expressed hope that the SEF and the ARATS can promptly complete respective planning for establishing reciprocal institutions and then communicate and make related arrangements. Regarding Taiwan-related military affairs, the TAO hoped that the U.S. would comply with the spirit of the three joint communiques and abide by the one China policy, for cross-strait affairs will have to be resolved ultimately by the Chinese people across the Strait. Furthermore, the two sides should make institutionalized arrangements on specific exchanges in the cultural and educational fields, stated the TAO, and should begin discussing military issues when the time is appropriate and further look into establishing military and security confidence building mechanisms.
January 30, 2013
The Taiwan Affairs Office stated at a regular press conference that the Ministry of Public Security has decided to establish port visa offices for Taiwan residents at Yangcheng Airport in Jiangsu and Wenzhou Airport in Zhejiang starting February 5, 2013. It also hoped that Taiwan could relax restrictions so that the Taiwanese public may gain access to watch more Mainland movies, and that Taiwan could remove unrealistic barriers to cross-strait media exchanges, thus facilitate and realize the establishment of mutual representative offices by media agencies on both sides of the Strait. The TAO also hoped that the Taiwan side could adopt additional opening measures and remove some restrictions to promote normal development of cross-strait cultural exchanges.
January 31, 2013
Director Wang Yi of the TAO proposed "Three Hopes" in a Chinese New Year message entitled "Steadily Promoting Comprehensive Development" published in the first 2013 issue of Relations Across Taiwan Straits magazine. The Three Hopes include: first, consolidate consensus on the "opposition to Taiwan independence" concept, adhere to the common foundation of the "1992 Consensus", advance and uphold joint acknowledgement of the one-China framework so as to ensure that development of cross-strait relations stays on the right course, and constantly open up new prospects for cross-strait relations; second, achieve new progress in negotiations, conclude the signing of the cross-strait trade in services agreement, complete discussions on the trade in goods agreement, establish mutual reciprocal institutions of the ARATS and SEF, and promote institutional arrangements for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations; and third, achieve more results through cross-strait exchanges and cooperation, expand trade investment across the Strait, and reach new breakthroughs in industrial and financial cooperation so that contact between compatriots on the two sides may be facilitated and become more convenient, results of exchange become more obvious and the familial bond between the two sides further strengthened.
February 7, 2013
Director Wang Yi of the Taiwan Affairs Office stated in a Lunar New Year greeting to Taiwan compatriots that the Mainland would continue to consolidate the common political foundation between the two sides and promote more comprehensive progress in various aspects of cross-strait relations to constantly improve the well-being of people on both sides and to deepen feelings between compatriots on both sides.
February 19, 2013
While attending Working Conference on Taiwan Affairs in Beijing, Member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Yu Zhengsheng indicated that the new central collective leadership will embrace the historic responsibility of carrying out Taiwan affairs related to the core interests of the country and the fundamental interests of the people, fully realize the important concept of peaceful development in cross-strait relations, constantly solidify and deepen the political, economic, cultural, and social foundation for the peaceful cross-strait development, and achieve the grand endeavor of national unification in the process of advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
February 25, 2013
General Secretary Xi Jinping of the Communist Party of China stated during a meeting with KMT Honorary Chairman Lien Chan at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing that, the solemn pledge of the new collective leadership of the CPC Central Committee is to make new achievements in the pragmatic promotion of cross-strait exchanges and cooperation, uphold the rights and interests of Taiwan compatriots, and improve the well-being of Taiwan compatriots. The Mainland will maintain consistency in major Taiwan affairs policies, continue to promote cross-strait exchanges and cooperation, vigorously promote unity and joint effort among compatriots on both sides of the Strait, and consolidate and deepen the political, economic, cultural, and social foundation for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations.
February 26, 2013
PRC President Hu Jintao stated during a meeting with KMT Honorary Chairman Lien Chan at the Great Hall of the People that joint participation and united efforts by compatriots on both sides of the Strait are motivation forces in promoting the peaceful development of cross-strait relations. He expressed hope that compatriots on both sides would continue to expand cooperation and promote exchange and integration. The two sides should take active measures to adapt to the needs of the developing situation so as to provide stronger institutional guarantees for cross-strait exchanges and cooperation. President Hu also expressed hope that more and more people from all walks of life on both sides would actively participate in cross-strait exchanges, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and work together for national revival.
February 26, 2013
Chairman Jia Qinglin of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference stated during a meeting with KMT Honorary Chairman Lien Chan at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse that, the key to advancing on the road of peaceful cross-strait development is for both sides to establish and maintain opposition to "Taiwan independence" and adhere to the common political basis of the "1992 Consensus." In the current and future phases, the most important task is to solidify and deepen peaceful development of cross-strait relations, constantly fortify political, economic, cultural and social foundation for cross-strait ties, and create irreversible momentum. The Mainland welcomes any political party or organization in Taiwan that is willing to actively improve and develop cross-strait relations.
February 27, 2013
The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) of the State Council stated at a regular press conference that, on the basis of opposing "Taiwan independence" and adhering to the "1992 Consensus," the two sides "agree with the one China framework, despite differences in their interpretation." This has very important and positive significance in consolidating and deepening political mutual trust between the two sides. At the same time, the two sides can create conditions to resolve difficult problems in cross-strait relations starting with the private sector. Think tanks can explore related issues in the political sphere and gradually build consensus. The TAO also stated that negotiations on the cross-strait trade in services agreement have entered the final stage, the Mainland will seek to complete negotiations and sign the agreement as soon as possible. Moreover, both sides have carried out individual research and assessment on the establishment of reciprocal institutions between the SEF and ARATS. It is hoped that a breakthrough may be achieved within the year for the establishment of institutions to be soon realized. On the matter of Taiwan's participation in international affairs, the TAO stated that sensible and reasonable arrangements can be arranged through pragmatic cross-strait negotiations under the premise of not creating "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan."
March 5, 2013
PRC Premier Wen Jiabao stated in a Government Work Report presented at the first session of the 12th National People's Congress that peaceful development of cross-strait relations of great significant must be fully realized in the future, whereas political, economic, cultural, and social foundation for peaceful development of cross-strait relations must be consolidated and deepened.
March 6, 2013
Taiwan Affairs Office Director Wang Yi stated during an interview after discussions with the Taiwan delegation at the National People's Congress that the focus of cross-strait relations in the next stage remains to deepen and advance economic cooperation, while at the same time to also strengthen cross-strait cultural exchanges. The Mainland is willing to begin discussions on long existing politically-sensitive issues between the two sides through private channels of think tanks and experts on both sides in order to gradually create conditions to address these problems when time is appropriate.
March 17, 2013
Premier Li Keqiang stated, at a press conference after the closing meeting of the first session of the 12th National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, that both sides of the Strait belong to "one China." The residents on the two sides are fellow compatriots, between whom there is no knot that cannot be untied. As long as the two sides adhere to the "one China" principle and maintain bond of compatriots, there would be great space and potential to advance cross-strait relations.
March 22, 2013
Newly-appointed director of Taiwan Affairs Office Zhang Zhijun stated in a speech at the opening ceremony of the 11th Symposium on Cross-Strait Relations that, in regards to building mutual trust, it is hoped that the two sides can consolidate a common political foundation of opposing "Taiwan independence" and adhering to the "1992 Consensus," further assimilate differences, deepen joint acknowledgement that both sides belong to "one China," seek points of connection, expand common ground, and reinforce inclusiveness while upholding the one-China framework.
The top priority in dialogue and negotiations is for both sides to comprehensively accelerate progress on the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) follow-up negotiations, endeavor to sign the Cross-Strait Trade in Services Agreement soon, and work to conclude discussions on the cross-strait trade in goods and dispute settlement agreements by year end. At the same time, the two sides have reached a consensus on the establishment of reciprocal institutions for general affairs by ARATS and Taiwan's SEF. The two institutions should begin discussions and make related arrangements at an early date. Furthermore, both sides need to actively consider the negotiation and signing of agreements in the culture, education, and technology fields when time is appropriate so as to respond to the demands of cross-strait exchanges in related areas.
Regarding the promotion of exchanges, various sectors on both sides should be encouraged to establish more platforms for institutionalized exchanges; the scale of visits by Mainland people to Taiwan should be expanded, especially with regards to individual travel; support should be given to universities on the two sides to mutually expand admissions; and institutionalized exchanges and cooperation between intellectual, cultural, and education sectors on the two sides should also be strengthened.
March 23, 2013
Taiwan Affairs Office Deputy Director Sun Yafu stated at the closing ceremony of the 11th Symposium on Cross-Strait Relations that the Mainland proposes that the two sides should gradually create conditions to resolve cross-strait political issues in the future, and that political differences should be resolved by in a gradual manner of handling easy matters before difficult ones. The two sides should begin dialogue in the private sector, through holding of cross-strait peace forum by think tanks on both sides, in hope that private dialogue would be beneficial to promotion of cross-strait development.
March 27, 2013
The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) stated at a regular press conference that Hubei and Liaoning provinces would be included among pilot provinces allowing Mainland students to earn degrees in Taiwan. Regarding the issue of Taiwan's participation in international activities, the TAO reiterated that sensible and reasonable arrangements could be made through pragmatic cross-strait negotiations, under the premise of not creating "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan." Additionally, it is hoped that some breakthrough can be achieved this year on the establishment of reciprocal institutions by the SEF and the ARATS. The TAO said that cross-strait political issues must be advanced in an orderly manner of handling easy matters before difficult ones, and that on cross-strait political dialogue may begin through private channels, whereby the holding of a peace forum would be a feasible approach. It is hoped that a peace forum could be held this year.
April 7, 2013
Taiwan Affairs Office Director Zhang Zhijun stated during a meeting in Boao with the delegation led by Honorary Chairman of Taiwan's Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation Vincent Siew that, working-level discussions on the Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) follow-up trade in services agreement have been completed and will be negotiated in detail and signed by the SEF and the ARATS.
April 8, 2013
During a meeting in Boao with the delegation led by Honorary Chairman Vincent Siew of Taiwan's Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation, General Secretary Xi Jinping of the Chinese Communist Party expressed hope that the two sides could strengthen high-level economic dialogue and coordination, jointly promote economic cooperation, accelerate progress with negotiations on Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement follow-up agreements, and expand institutionalized economic cooperation.
April 10, 2013
The Taiwan Affairs Office of the Mainland State Council stated at a regular press conference that human infection cases of H7N9 bird flu were found in four provinces and cities, including Shanghai. According to the Cross-Strait Agreement on Medical and Health Cooperation, Mainland competent agencies have notified established counterparts in Taiwan relevant departments about the epidemic situation. They will also continue to strengthen contact with Taiwan and provide support and assistance as needed by Taiwan for epidemic prevention and control.
April 26, 2013
New chairman Chen Deming of the ARATS said that upholding the "1992 Consensus" is the foundation for consolidating SEF-ARATS talks. The ARATS will coordinate relevant departments to accelerate progress in the Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) follow-up talks, aiming to hold the ninth round of talks between the leaders of the SEF and ARATS and sign the trade in services agreement in the first half of the year. It also aims to complete negotiations on cross-strait trade in goods, dispute settlement and other issues this year. Furthermore, the ARATS will dedicate efforts to realize the establishment of reciprocal institutions between the SEF and the ARATS, as well as promote cross-strait talks in technology, culture and education spheres. Chairman Chen expressed hope for the two sides to initiate dialogue on cultural and education issues, beginning with research on the negotiation and signing of specific agreements on culture, arts, and preservation of historical relics.
April 26, 2013
Director Zhang Zhijun of the Taiwan Affairs Office stated at the first meeting of the third ARATS board of directors and commemorative activity for the 20th anniversary of the "Koo-Wang Talks", that he would accomplish four "steadfasts," including: "firmly seizing the theme of peaceful development of cross-strait relations ," "consolidating opposition to 'Taiwan independence' and adhering to the political foundation of the '1992 Consensus', " "upholding the pragmatic concept of handling easy matters before difficult ones and progressing in orderly manner," and "adhering to the policy concept of putting people first and working for the benefit of the people."
Mainland's work towards Taiwan this year will continue to promote the strengthening of mutual political trust between the two sides, as well as seek linkages and expand common ground while adhering to the one China position. The Mainland will also continue to promote mutual cross-strait investment and industrial and financial cooperation, as well as expand the scale of visits to Taiwan, especially individual travel; promote more extensive grassroots contacts between the two sides; and further institutionalize cross-strait exchanges in the cultural, education, and technology sectors. Furthermore, the Mainland will continue to coordinate the relevant departments and local governments to study and formulate new measures beneficial to the people of Taiwan.
Zhang Zhijun also indicated that, after painstaking study and comparing the past and present, it is now time to accomplish the "four steadfasts," namely: "firmly seizing the theme of peaceful development of cross-strait relations ," "consolidating opposition to 'Taiwan independence' and adhering to the political foundation of the '1992 Consensus', " "upholding the pragmatic concept of handling easy matters before difficult ones and progressing in orderly manner," and "adhering to the policy concept of putting people first and working and working for the benefit of the people."
April 26, 2013
Chairman Yu Zhengsheng of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference stated at the first meeting of the third ARATS board of directors and commemorative activity for the 20th anniversary of the "Koo-Wang Talks" that, the "Koo-Wang Talks" highlighted the important position of the "1992 Consensus" as a foundation for cross-strait negotiations. He hoped that the ARATS would consolidate and reinforce the political basis for cross-strait negotiations, promote institutionalization of the peaceful development of cross-strait relations; promptly complete Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement follow-up negotiations, actively promote the reciprocal establishment of general institutions by the SEF and the ARATS, and negotiate and sign agreements on cross-strait exchanges in the technology, culture and education spheres. At the same time, the Mainland will actively promote cross-strait exchanges and cooperation, strengthen contacts with various sectors of Taiwanese society, and jointly promote the development of cross-strait relations, as well as adhere to a people-oriented concept and earnestly safeguard the rights and interests of compatriots on both sides of the Strait.
April 28, 2013
Deputy Director Sun Yafu of the Taiwan Affairs Office stated in a speech presented at a commemorative activity for the 20th anniversary of the "Koo-Wang Talks" that the Mainland continues to maintain the positions that the two sides should gradually create conditions to resolve cross-strait political challenges in the future, and that political differences should be resolved by dealing with easy matters before difficult ones and progressing in an orderly manner. Under the present circumstances in which formal political talks between the two sides cannot be discussed, experts and scholars on both sides have proposed that dialogue may start from the private sector and that a non-governmental cross-strait peace forum may be held. It is hoped that such dialogue and forum would help promote the overall coordination and sustainable development of cross-strait relations; help compatriots on both sides of the Strait to eliminate estrangement and misunderstanding on political relations, military security, and foreign affairs; enhance understanding and trust; and be beneficial to accumulating experience, building social atmosphere, and steadily creating conditions for future political negotiations between the two sides.
May 6, 2013
Deputy Director Sun Yafu of the Taiwan Affairs Office stated in a speech at a reception for overseas Chinese New Yorkers at the PRC Consulate General in New York that, on the issue of cross-strait political negotiations, the Mainland supports dialogues to begin from the private sector. These dialogues may proceed in forms such as non-governmental cross-strait peace forum, so that scholars and representative individuals of the two sides may explore approaches and methods to resolve issues related to cross-strait political relations, military security, and foreign affairs. He also noted that the two sides have always had common ground and points of connection in their position on one China. Points of most fundamental significance are to uphold the one-China framework, avoid cross-strait division into two countries, and stabilize the overall foundation of cross-strait relations.
May 14, 2013
Member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Yu Zhengsheng, met at Beijing's Great Hall of the People with a group of retired Taiwanese generals led by New Alliance Association Chairman Hsu Li-nung. During the meeting, he stated that the Mainland welcomes non-governmental exchanges and dialogue between the two sides on issues related to promoting establishment of cross-strait military confidence building measures (CBMs) in order to create conditions for addressing future cross-strait political challenges.
May 15, 2013
Director Zhang Zhijun of the Taiwan Affairs Office stated during a media interview at a symposium for Taiwan businesspeople in Shanghai that, reciprocal SEF-ARATS institutions are positioned as service organizations under the SEF and ARATS framework and are not diplomatic/consular institutions. The two sides have made progress in communication on operational issues. It is hoped that related matters can be promptly arranged to safeguard the rights of people on both sides and promote the development of cross-strait ties.
May 15, 2013
The Taiwan Affairs Office stated at a regular press conference that, with commitments made during accession into the World Trade Organization as a baseline, the two sides should further grant each other more preferential treatments in the Cross-Strait Trade in Services Agreement. The opening of the trade in services market is a gradual and evolutionary process. After signing the agreement, the two sides will hold negotiations on further expanding and deepening the service industries of the two sides based on the principle of mutual benefit. The TAO also reiterated that protecting the rights and interests of fishermen on both sides is a mutual responsibility and that issues for SEF-ARATS negotiation will be determined through discussions between the two organizations. Furthermore, the establishment of reciprocal institutions between the SEF and the ARATS has been included into the negotiation agenda and there has been progress in discussions on business functions, facilitation measures, and contact affairs. The two sides will continue to strengthen communication and make arrangements as soon as possible.
May 21, 2013
Director Zhang Zhijun of the Taiwan Affairs Office indicated during an interview with the United Daily News that, prior to the final unification across the Strait, the Mainland encourages experts, scholars and think tanks in the private sector to lead the way in forming consensus on issues such as building cross-strait political relations, establishing military confidence building measures, and negotiating and signing a peace accord. Currently, both sides agree to oppose Taiwan independence and adhere to the 1992 Consensus. On this foundation and while the two sides remain in this unique status of "non-unification", the two sides can still seek to establish political relations and try to find a mutually acceptable solution, thus would be called "fair and reasonable arrangements". Cross-strait economic cooperation has facilitated and bridged Taiwan’s participation into regional economic integration. Through such economic cooperation, the two sides may communicate and jointly explore feasible approaches for Taiwan to participate further in regional economic integration. This communication process would also be a process of establishing mutual political trust between the two sides. Furthermore, the signing of bilateral economic and trade agreements between Taiwan and other countries should not be government-to-government agreements; this has been the consistent position of the Mainland.
May 23, 2013
Yu Zhengsheng, Member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, stated during an interview with the United Daily News that, prior to national unification, sensible and reasonable arrangements for cross-strait political relations is already underway. There are no pre-existing models to follow, and will require the two sides to work to achieve. Moreover, the further opening of Taiwan to Mainland investment will tighten economies links between the two sides and thus make peaceful development more irreversible.
May 23, 2013
ARATS Chairman Chen Deming stated during an interview with the United Daily News that Taiwan has advantages in areas such as creativity, design, and technology introduction, while the Mainland is strong in processing, production and capital. The two sides should cooperate to jointly face the challenges of economic globalization and realize a "one-plus-one is greater than two" effect between industries on the two sides. The Mainland does not request Taiwan to allow imports of Mainland agricultural products that it already produces or is already self-sufficient in; however, certain agricultural products for which Taiwan has import demands, does not self-produce and already allows imports from other countires, the Mainland calls for Taiwan to consider opening up to Mainland imports.
May 29, 2013
The Taiwan Affairs Office stated at a regular press conference that the issue of exchange visits by the leaders of the two sides will be determined by the developments and needs of cross-strait relations. The two sides may work to create conditions to this end, including negotiating on the titles of the leaders on such exchange visits. The Cross-Strait Trade in Services Agreement is a mutually beneficial agreement arranged according to the different characteristics, levels, and respective concerns of trade in services development on both sides. Furthermore, it is hoped that Taiwan can promptly adjust and amend discriminatory policies against Mainland spouses and uphold the dignity and rights of Mainland spouses to create a good environment and conditions for cross-strait marriage families in Taiwan. The TAO also stated that cross-strait political dialogue could start from the private sector to enhance mutual understanding, create conditions, and build consensus to resolve thorny political issues between the two sides.
June 8, 2013
Deputy Director Zheng Lizhong of the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) stated at the 2013 Taiwan Businessmen's Summit for Industry Transformation and Upgrading that, the SEF and the ARATS would sign the Cross-Strait Trade in Services Agreement at the upcoming ninth round of talks. The agreement will enhance cooperation between the service industries of the two sides. Furthermore, there are many types of economic development zones and demonstration areas in the Mainland; Taiwan has also announced its plan for Free Economic Demonstration Zone. It is hoped that the two sides can strengthen cooperation between these zones to realize regional linkages and achieve a win-win outcome through innovative cooperation. Deputy Director Zheng expressed hopes that Taiwan would introduce fairer policy measures to further open its markets to Mainland enterprises and promote the free flow of persons, goods and capital between the zones.
June 9, 2013
The Taiwan Affairs Office stated at a regular press conference that the meeting between leaders of the two sides should be decided depending on the development progress and demands in cross-strait relations, and that both sides may work to create conditions for the meeting. Furthermore, the two sides have agreed that the SEF-ARATS reciprocal institutions will be mutually established under the SEF and ARATS framework and will serve comprehensive business functions in economic, trade, cultural, educational, exchange, contact, emergency relief and other aspects. This consensus reflects the fact that the main purpose for the reciprocal establishment of SEF-ARATS institutions is to provide service in cross-strait economic and cultural exchanges and to protect the rights and interests of the people on both sides. As for cross-strait political dialogue, experts and scholars on the two sides may now begin discussions on such issues in the private sector, which would be conducive to promoting mutual understanding, building consensus and creating conditions to resolve difficult political issues in the future. As for cross-strait fishery cooperation, the two sides may further research and communicate on this issue.
June 13, 2013
Chairman Yu Zhengsheng of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference stated during a meeting with delegation led by KMT Honorary Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse that, while promoting the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, the two sides should strengthen the concept that both sides are part one family and explicitly join hands to work for the goal of bringing about the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The Mainland side will take into full consideration the needs and well-being of Taiwanese compatriots; it will more effectively promote cross-strait exchanges and cooperation so that compatriots on both sides may share expanded opportunities in a broader region and enjoy the results of peaceful cross-strait development.
June 13, 2013
General Secretary Xi Jinping of the Chinese Communist Party stated during a meeting with delegation led by Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Honorary Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung at the Great Hall of the People that, cross-strait relations should be viewed from the greater picture of ensuring comprehensive interests for the whole Chinese ethnic group, with the most fundamental and essential issue in mind, to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, while bearing in mind that though the Mainland and Taiwan have yet reunified, both sides belong to one China. The two sides should develop future cross-strait relations through recognition of development trends throughout history, and face that it is an inevitable trend for the two sides to decide and advance upon accordingly. The two sides should insist on strengthening mutual trust and beneign interactions, seek commonality and shelve differences, be pragmatic and proactive while entering into a new stage of consolidation and deepening relations across the Strait, so that more results may be achieved through cross-strait development. Also, the two sides steadily promote comprehensive development of cross-strait ties and create more facilitation measures to deepen cooperation in economic, technological, cultural, educational and other fields so as to achieve greater benefits.
June 20, 2013
Deputy Director Sun Yafu of the TAO stated in his opening remark at the Symposium on Cross-Strait Relations ("Beijing Talks") that the development of cross-strait relations is consolidated on the common foundation of opposing "Taiwan independence" and adhering to the "1992 Consensus" and has started to advance though joint acknowledgement of the one-China framework, which plays an important role in building cross-strait mutual political trust. Furthermore, the idea of initiating political dialogue in the private sector on both sides has gradually gained support in Taiwan. It may be possible to create an appropriate platform or mechanism in the future so as to facilitate substantive results. As of currently, opportunities outweigh challenges in cross-strait relations, with peaceful development acting as the guiding principle.. In this process, awareness that compatriots on both sides of the Strait belong to one family and share a common destiny can be strengthened on the basis that compatriots on both sides all acknowledge they belong to the same Chinese ethnic group. Moreover, this can be further heightened into acknowledgement of the shared homeland and fundamental interests of the Chinese ethnic group.
June 26, 2013
The TAO stated at a regular press conference that the Cross-Strait Trade in Services Agreement is a follow-up agreement under the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA). Its purpose is to maximize benefits for industries on the two sides, stressing benefits for small and medium enterprises and the Taiwanese people in particular. The Mainland has opened up its markets to Taiwan with unprecedented intensity and scope in many service industries, including the commercial, communications, construction, distribution, environment, social, travel, entertainment, culture, sports, transportation and financial service sectors. These measures aim to promote closer, deeper, complementary and mutually beneficial cross-strait cooperation in service industries. The Mainland also welcomes the establishment of reciprocal institutions between the SEF and ARATS to play an active role in contacts and serving the people on both sides. According to the principle of addressing easy matters before difficult ones and advancing in an orderly manner, the two sides should first carry out the reciprocal establishment and gradually expand and perfect these institutions in the future.
June 30, 2013
Director Zhang Zhijun of the TAO stated during a meeting with Chairman Frank Hsieh of the Taiwan Reform Foundation that he welcomed and encouraged all political parties, organizations, and persons of Taiwan to actively participate in promoting cross-strait exchanges and cooperation and peaceful development of cross-strait relations. So long as they recognize and uphold the "one China" framework and approve and support peaceful development of cross-strait relations, the Mainland is willing engage with them in dialogue and exchanges, promote mutual understanding and work together to promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and the well-being of people on both sides and bring about a great rejuvenation of the Chinese ethnic group.
July 5, 2013
Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) Director Zhang Zhijun stated at the opening reception for the Sixth Tianjin Taiwan Investment Fair and 2013 Taiwan Trade Fair in Tianjin that the way for peaceful development of cross-strait relations is to build consensus among various sectors on both sides, advance the welfare of cross-strait compatriots, and focus on the correct future path for cross-strait relations; through such ways,. T the two sides certainly canmay eliminate barriers and jointly create a win-win outcome. He also emphasized that the Cross-Strait Trade in Services Agreement is a mutual opening pact that corresponds to World Trade Organization rules and hasyet with distinct cross-strait characteristics. It reflects the Mainland's goodwill to Taiwan compatriots, represents an important step in the ongoing expansion and deepening of cross-strait economic cooperation, and will have long-term significance for mutually beneficial development of the economies on both sides of the Sstrait.
July 11, 2013
Taiwan Affairs OfficAOe Director Zhang Zhijun stated during a visit to the Taiwan High-Tech Park in Songshan Lake of, Dongguan that the new situation of peaceful development in cross-strait relations creates a good environment for deepening and expanding cross-strait economic and trade cooperation. The potential domestic demand potential released by the progress of industrialization and urbanization in the Mainland provides a a huge market space for Taiwanese businesses to develop. Moreover, government agencies at all levels attach great importance to and energeticallystrongly support the development of Taiwan-funded enterprises. These factors form an important source of confidence for Taiwanese businesses to continue taking root in the Mainland. In the future, the Mainland will further expand areas of cross-strait economic and trade cooperation so that the achievements of collaboration can further benefit compatriots on both sides. In particular, Taiwan affairs offices at the central and local government levels would certainly serve as the "interest representatives of interest" for of Taiwan compatriots in the Mainland.
July 24, 2013
Taiwan Affairs Office AO Director Zhang Zhijun stated in a speech at the opening ceremony of the Second Cross-Strait Sun Yat-sen Forum that cross-strait relations have made major positive progress in the past five years, creating a new era of peaceful development. On the common political basis of opposing "Taiwan independence" and adhering to the "1992 Consensus," the two sides have steadily built mutual trust, developed closer people-to-people contacts, deepened economic and trade relations and expanded exchanges. These achievements have been universally recognized by compatriots on both sides. The two sides should seize this historic opportunity by continuing to maintain positive interaction, constantly build mutual trust and deepen cross-strait exchanges and cooperation in the economic, technological, cultural, educational and other fields, so that the principle of "one family across the sStraits" may become more deeply rooted in the people's hearts.
August 10, 2013
Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) Deputy Director Sun Yafu stated in a speech presented at the Cross-Strait Business Leaders' Seminar at Nanjing University that the Cross-Strait Trade in Services Agreement is a pact that embodies unique cross-strait characteristics and reflects the Mainland's pragmatism and goodwill. It fully accounts for differences of economic scale between the two sides, the capacity of Taiwan's market and the true feelings of the Taiwanese people. It also considers the conditions and characteristics of the cross-strait services market and adopts an approach of simultaneous promotion of normalization and liberalization to support development of Taiwan's service industry. The Agreement will not create unemployment by intensifying competition in Taiwan's service market. Deputy Director Sun also said that, according to the Agreement, the Mainland side would promptly coordinate relevant departments to revise corresponding laws and regulations and introduce supplementary provisions to concretely implement market opening measures and earnestly fulfill its commitments.
August 13, 2013
In a speech presented at the Sixth Cross-Strait Hakka Summit Forum and 11th Jiangxi-Taiwan Economic, Trade and Cultural Cooperation and Exchange Conference, TAO Director Zhang Zhijun stated that the signing of cross-strait agreements has eliminated institutionalized barriers to economic cooperation between the two sides. They represent a feasible and effective way to promote cross-strait economic development and advance the welfare of compatriots on both sides of the Strait. In the future, institutionalized arrangements for cross-strait economic cooperation will become more comprehensive, and the environment for cross-strait economic cooperation will improve with the ongoing development of cross-strait relations and the signing of the trade in goods, dispute settlement and other agreements under the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement.
August 14, 2013
TAO Director Zhang Zhijun expressed hopes during a meeting in Beijing with a high-level media delegation led by SEF Chairman Lin Join-sane that, the SEF and the ARATS would adhere to the common political basis of the "1992 Consensus", which is the basic thinking of orderly progression, the fundamental concept of putting people first, and the basic direction of mutual benefit. Also that the SEF and ARATS would continue to promote cross-strait negotiations, actively advance on the negotiation issues determined at the ninth round of talks, and build on achievements in the peaceful development of cross-strait relations.
August 14, 2013
TAO Deputy Director Sun Yafu stated at the Second Legal Forum on Cross-Strait Peaceful Development that under new circumstances, four key points must be seized to strengthen mechanisms for legal protection in cross-strait exchanges. The first is to hold firm the principle that the Mainland and Taiwan belong to one China. Legal measures on the handling of cross-strait exchanges and derived inter-related matters should correspond to the jurisprudence of one China, maintain the one China framework and may not create an issue of "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan." The second point is to serve the purpose of safeguarding and promoting the interests of people on both sides of the Strait. The Mainland will continue to earnestly safeguard the legal rights and interests of Taiwanese people and firmly oppose any behavior that disregards, discriminates against or damages the rights of Taiwanese people to invest, live, study and work in the Mainland. It also hopes that Mainland spouses, students and businesses in Taiwan can enjoy fairer treatment and a friendlier environment. The third point is to continue the course of institutionalizing peaceful development across the Strait. The two sides should institute legal protection mechanisms for cross-strait exchanges, which would provide comprehensive support and organizational, mechanism-based and institutional systems to motivate and guarantee peaceful cross-strait development. The fourth point is to strengthen respective and joint protections between the two sides. Both sides should revise existing regulations in a timely manner and introduce new measures as needed to increase levels of protection. They also should negotiate and sign more agreements and more effectively implement agreements to jointly provide stronger legal protection for cross-strait exchanges.
August 15, 2013
TAO Director Zhang Zhijun stated in a speech at the opening ceremony of the 12th Liaoning Taiwan Week that a complementary and mutually beneficial pattern has formed in the cross-strait economy. The two sides should be more proactive in promoting cooperation to achieve mutual benefit and joint development. Director Zhang also stated that, in the process of negotiating and signing the Cross-Strait Trade in Services Agreement, the Mainland substantially opened its service market. He expressed hope that the Agreement would be brought into force promptly to help Taiwanese enterprises gain a competitive lead in the Mainland market. Furthermore, the cross-strait agreements on trade in goods and dispute settlement to be negotiated and signed in the future will further expand the space for Taiwan businesses in the Mainland market, and create a sounder institutionalized environment for business investment.
August 28, 2013
TAO Director Zhang Zhijun said at the first council meeting of the Cross-Strait Exchange Fund in Beijing, that the establishment of the Cross-Strait Exchange Fund is an important initiative to steadily promote peaceful development of cross-strait relations. It demonstrates the Mainland's efforts and sincerity to further encourage and support cross-strait exchanges in various fields and to promote institutionalized cross-strait exchanges. Director Zhang said he hoped the two sides could fully mobilize their social forces and resources to jointly support and participate in the functions and roles of cross-strait civilian exchanges.
September 12, 2013
Member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Yu Zhengsheng expressed hopes during a meeting with a Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) delegation of directors and supervisors led by its Chairman Lin Join-sane at the Great Hall of the People, that the two sides would stick to the correct course of peaceful development of cross-strait relations, maintain momentum beneficial to building mutual political trust, and promote the concept of "one family across the Straits." He said that the two sides should also implement the results achieved at the ninth round of talks between the SEF and the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), complete ECFA follow-up negotiations as soon as possible, promptly start the negotiation and signing of cross-strait agreements on cultural and education cooperation and exchanges, and steadily advance the comprehensive development of cross-strait relations.
September 13, 2013
Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) Spokesperson Yang Yi stated at a regular press conference that the Cross-Strait Trade in Services Agreement will help the two sides to upgrade the level of their service industries and jointly meet the challenges of economic globalization. If the Agreement continues to be stalled in the Taiwan side, it will adversely affect cross-strait economic cooperation. Taiwan should promptly complete related procedures so that the pact may soon take effect. The Mainland also hopes that negotiations on cross-strait trade in goods and dispute settlement agreements may be completed as scheduled by the end of this year. Furthermore, the general institutions to be mutually established by the SEF and ARATS will be service-oriented institutions and talks conducted by them will be routine negotiations. In terms of specific arrangements concerning the establishment, the two sides should deal with easy matters before difficult ones and advance sequentially. As of currently, they should first reach consensus on matters in which sufficient conditions now exist for resolution in order to promptly create conditions for mutual institution establishment.
September 25, 2013
TAO Spokesperson Yang Yi stated at a regular press conference that the two sides should uphold the overall interests of the Chinese ethnic group while handling foreign affairs. Through pragmatic cross-strait negotiations, fair and reasonable arrangements may be created, under the premise of not creating "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan", for Taiwan's participation in international organizations' activities.
September 27, 2013
TAO Director Zhang Zhijun stated during a meeting in Hangzhou with Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Honorary Chairman Lien Chan that, over the past few years, the two sides have steadily advanced the peaceful development of cross-strait relations on the common political foundation of adhering to the "1992 Consensus" and opposing "Taiwan independence." In the future, the two sides should continue to build mutual trust, maintain positive interaction, and continuously consolidate and deepen political, economic, cultural, and social foundation for peaceful development of cross-strait relations while jointly work together to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese ethnic group.
October 6, 2013
During a meeting with a delegation led by Honorary Chairman of Taiwan's Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation Vincent Siew in Bali, Indonesia,General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping stated that enhancing cross-strait political mutual trust and firming up a common political basis are the keys to ensuring the peaceful development of cross-strait relations. The long-standing issues due to political differences between the two sides must be gradually resolved in the end and cannot simply be passed down to future generations. The Mainland is willing, within the one-China framework, to hold talks with Taiwan on cross-strait political issues on an equal footing and to make sensible and reasonable arrangements. On matters that must be handled in cross-strait relations, the heads of the competent authorities of the two sides can meet and exchange views.
October 6, 2013
After an exchange brief greetings in Bali, Indonesia with the head of Taiwan's competent authority for Mainland affairs Wang Yu-chi, Taiwan Affairs Office Director Zhang Zhijun said that the relevant departments of the two sides should strengthen exchanges and communication and work together to promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations for the benefit of compatriots on both sides. He also agreed to realize reciprocal visits by the heads of the competent authorities for cross-strait affairs on the two sides.
October 11, 2013
In a speech at the opening of the First Cross-Strait Peace Forum, Taiwan Affairs Office Director Zhang Zhijun stated that while some political disputes can be put aside temporarily in the development of cross-strait relations, they cannot be entirely avoided over the long term. The approach of "only addressing economic matters but not political matters" is not sustainable. Only by working to resolve cross-strait contradictions and differences simultaneously with promotion of economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation can the two sides steadily build up mutual political trust, resolve major concerns of the people on both sides, and reinforce confidence in the continued peaceful development of cross-strait relations. Director Zhang also emphasized that, whatever major political differences exist between the two sides, they cannot shake or damage the one-China framework. The two sides should seek appropriate solutions to all of their political differences within this framework. This is the bottom line that should not be crossed.
October 16, 2013
During a regular press conference, Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Fan Liqing stated that the issue of participation by people from the Taiwan side at the APEC informal leaders' meeting should be handled according to provisions in the relevant APEC memorandum of understanding. A meeting between the leaders of the two sides is a matter between the Chinese people on both sides and the help of an international meeting is not necessary.
October 26, 2013
At the opening ceremony of the Ninth Cross-Strait Economic, Trade and Cultural Forum, member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Yu Zhengsheng stated that deepening exchanges and cooperation is an important approach to promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations. It is also a requirement for compatriots on both sides of the Strait to work together for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. He also proposed that the two sides should promptly sign a cross-strait agreement on technology exchanges and cooperation, accelerate the progress of ECFA follow-up talks, and negotiate and sign cross-strait agreements on cultural and educational exchanges and cooperation.
October 30, 2013
During a regular press conference, Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Fan Liqing stated that the Mainland would like to see the reciprocal institutions established between the SEF and the ARATS continue to play a more active service role in visitation assistance. The two sides are now engaged in negotiations on this issue. The Mainland believes that, so long as no involved laws are violated, the two sides can find a mutually acceptable solution. The Mainland hopes that the two sides can promptly complete negotiations and realize the establishment of reciprocal institutions.
November 4, 2013
Member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Yu Zhengsheng presented a speech at the opening ceremony of the 2013 Cross-Strait Entrepreneurs Purple Mountain Summit. He expressed four hopes for cross-strait industrial cooperation: 1. To promote broader participation by enterprises of the two sides and promote industry projects to expand the scope of the benefits of industrial cooperation; 2. To enhance the core competitiveness of industries on both sides, taking into account cooperation in both traditional and emerging industries; 3. To promote cross-strait industrial cooperation to strengthen endogenous power, actively pursue new division-of-labor approaches, and promote the free flow of talent, capital and technology; and 4. To promote institutionalized development of cross-strait industrial cooperation, implement cross-strait agreements, promote related negotiation processes and improve conditions for entrepreneurs to integrate and use resources on the two sides.
November 13, 2013
Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Fan Liqing stated during a regular press conference that the Mainland places great emphasis on the issue of "humanitarian visitation rights" in the establishment of SEF-ARATS reciprocal institutions and is dedicated to actively uphold the legitimate rights and interests of Taiwan compatriots in the Mainland. As long as the two sides communicate in good faith, advance in the same direction and show mutual understanding, the Mainland has confidence that the two sides will find a mutually acceptable solution that does not violate relevant laws.
November 14, 2013
Taiwan Affairs Office Director Zhang Zhijun stated during a meeting in Beijing with a delegation of the Federation of Tainan City Borough Wardens and Presidents that mainland China will continue to support and encourage grassroots cross-strait exchanges and listen to grassroots views and suggestions in Taiwan. He also emphasized that the experience in the development of cross-strait relations has proven the well-being of the people on both sides to be closely related to the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, and hoped for the people on both sides to jointly support and maintain peaceful and stable development of cross-strait relations.
November 27, 2013
Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Fan Liqing stated during a regular press conference that the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China passed a resolution on several major issues related to the comprehensive deepening of reforms. Reforms related to cross-strait economic cooperation will bring benefits for Taiwanese investors in areas such as equal participation in market competition, open market access, technological innovation support and intellectual property protection. Regarding cross-strait cultural exchanges and cooperation, the reforms will broaden the space, create more opportunities and provide more robust protections for cross-strait cooperation in the cultural industry, and also for Taiwanese people coming to the Mainland to develop careers, seek employment, start businesses, study or undergo medical treatment. Furthermore, on the establishment of the "East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone," the Spokesperson said that compatriots on both sides of the Strait are all of one family. Safeguarding the fundamental interests of the Chinese ethnic group corresponds to the well being of compatriots on both sides of the Strait and is also the shared responsibility of the people on both sides. The Spokesperson also stated that the Cross-Strait Trade in Services Agreement is a pact signed by the SEF and the ARATS with authorization from the two sides and through negotiations conducted on an equal footing. If it were unable to come into effect, Taiwan's industry and people would be the ones most affected.
December 9, 2013
During a meeting in Beijing with representatives attending the Fourth ECFA Cross-Strait and Hong Kong Private Sector Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Yu Zhengsheng stated that the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee formulated comprehensive strategic deployments to deepen the reforms which will create more business opportunities, stronger driving force and broader space for cross-strait economic cooperation. He expressed hope that, in the spirit of "one family across the Straits," entrepreneurs would seize the opportunities presented by deep reforms and firmly grasp the general trend of peaceful development of cross-strait relations to make new contributions to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese ethnic group.
December 11, 2013
The Spokesperson of the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office Fan Liqing stated at a regular press conference that, with respect to the demarcation of the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone, the Mainland has clearly expressed its stance several times. Compatriots on both sides of the Strait are one family and should join hands to safeguard the overall interests of the Chinese ethnic group and jointly defend the family property.
December 22, 2013
Taiwan Affairs Office Director Zhang Zhijun stated in a speech presented at the opening of the "2013 Cross-Strait Media Prospects Forum" that the peaceful development of cross-strait relations has entered a new phase of consolidation and deepening. The media on both sides of the Strait should build on exchanges and cooperation, fulfill their social responsibility, and strengthen positive, objective reporting to lead the people on both sides to join forces and work together for peaceful development. He also noted that the promotion of cross-strait media exchanges and cooperation can advance from easy matters to difficult ones in an orderly progression, starting with areas in which the cross-strait media demands are strongest and are relatively easy to accomplish. For example, the two sides should promptly establish authoritative and normalized mechanism for cross-strait media exchanges; further facilitate mutual news coverage across the Strait; make early arrangements for the mutual establishment of representative offices by the media agencies of both sides; and continue to deepen cross-strait media cooperation in various fields. As for the more complex issues, the two sides can work together to create conditions and progressively advance.
December 23, 2013
Taiwan Affairs Office Director Zhang Zhijun stated at the Leaders' Forum of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland that the focuses of Taiwan-related economic work next year would include: deeply understanding the aspirations and needs of the Taiwanese people, with an emphasis on studying and resolving prominent issues which Taiwan-funded enterprises face in the process of transformation and upgrading; implementing the results of cross-strait negotiations to provide more favorable mechanism and guarantees for cross-strait economic cooperation; and vigorously promoting cross-strait industrial cooperation to strengthen major areas of innovative cooperation and cooperation in modern service industries.
December 25, 2013
Spokesperson Fan Liqing of the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office stated at a regular press conference that the Cross-Strait Trade in Services Agreement is beneficial to cross-strait economic cooperation and Taiwan's economic development. If the agreement could not come into effect, it would be detrimental to both the deepening and expansion of cross-strait economic cooperation and Taiwan's economic development. She also stated that, according to the joint opinion between the SEF and the ARATS to solve Kinmen's water supply problem, the two sides have held several technical consultations to extensively exchange views on construction methods, diversion scale and work plans, and would promptly make specific arrangements. On the matter of cross-strait electrical connections, studies may be conducted if Taiwan deems it necessary. Furthermore, on the mutual establishment of representative offices by media organizations of the two sides of the Strait, the Mainland hopes for Taiwan to take into serious consideration and study the demands of the cross-strait media sector.
December 31, 2013
In an article commemorating the 35th anniversary of the publication of the "Message to Compatriots in Taiwan," Taiwan Affairs Office Director Zhang Zhijun stated that the peaceful development of cross-strait relations is a right path that corresponds with the common aspiration of compatriots on both sides of the Strait and the fundamental interests of the Chinese ethnic group. Promoting peaceful cross-strait developments, consolidating the political foundation of the Mainland and Taiwan being part of one China, continuous deepening of interactions and exchanges to promote negotiations all create more ample conditions for peaceful unification. The systematic deployments of comprehensive deep reforms formulated by the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China will have important and deeply positive impact on the peaceful development of cross-strait relations. Major Taiwan work policies made by the central government must be implemented unswervingly, the correct path of peaceful development of cross-strait relations must be advanced staunchly, and new prospects for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations must be created constantly.