NPC deputies from Taiwan on cross-Strait ties

The Chinese mainland and Taiwan will not separate further, but the Democratic Progressive Party needs to accept the goodwill from the mainland. This comment was made by Wang Yifu, president of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, during Thursday's Taiwan delegation group discussion at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

NPC deputies from Taiwan have attached great importance to the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. They held a group discussion that was open to the media.

The most hotly-discussed issue concerning the people of both the mainland and Taiwan is how will cross-strait relations develop after Tsai Ing-wen, candidate for the Democratic Progressive Party, won Taiwan's leadership election earlier this year. A common narrative has been that her election will lead to greater tension. But NPC deputies from Taiwan believe what will happen next is unpredictable, but relations shouldn't deteriorate.

"After the election, many ask will the people from the two sides go further and further away? Perhaps some may think so. But from my perspective, it's not the case. What the ordinary people on both sides want? They want peace and stability, they want decent jobs and a steady income. I wish the Democratic Progressive Party and its leadership will express good will and also accept the mainland's good will," said Wang Yifu, Head of Taiwan deligation.

The mainland has reiterated that policy towards Taiwan is clear and consistent, and it will not change because there's a change in the island's political situation.

During a panel discussion with Shanghai lawmakers, the General Secretary of China's Communist Party, Xi Jinping said the Mainland continues to adhere to the 1992 Consensus and is opposed to any attempt in any form for Taiwan independence.

Deputies said whatever the political differences across the straits, they should not stand in the way of cooperation, as there is only one China, to which both sides belong. This is the very foundation for peaceful development of the cross-strait relations and it could draw people from both sides together.

(Source: CNTV.cn)