Chinese Vice-Premier Qian Qichen said in Beijing Friday that he
appreciates the effort by individuals and organizations in Taiwan
to promote direct links in trade, transportation and postal
services (the "three direct links") across the Taiwan Straits.
Qian made the remarks in meetings separately with two delegations
from Taiwan for "three links", headed respectively by Her Jyh-Huei
from Taiwan's Kuomintang and Fung Hu-Hsiang from Taiwan's New
Party.
Qian said that early in 1979 the mainland suggested direct links in
trade, transportation and postal services across the Taiwan
Straits, which became impossible because of obstructions by the
Taiwan authorities.
He
noted, however, that the "three direct links" has now become the
common desire of Taiwan compatriots and a common understanding
between the mainland and those political parties, organizations and
personage who advocate promoting across-Straits relations.
Qian said that during the past 20 years the mainland has done a lot
to prepare for the "three direct links". Some non-governmental
organizations on both sides of the Straits have also carried out
discussions and negotiations on this issue.
It
is time for the Taiwan authorities to abandon its policy of
hindering the "three direct links" and make a contribution to the
realization of the "three direct links", said Qian.
The "three direct links" is related to the development of the
mainland and Taiwan in the 21st century. The two sides can achieve
prosperity and development through exchange and cooperation, noted
Qian.
Qian also pointed out that the "three direct links" is an internal
affair of China and should be realized by the two sides of the
Straits on the basis of "directness, two-way and mutual
benefit".
He
said that the "three direct links" will finally realize with effort
by the two sides of Straits.
(Xinhua 01/05/2001)