Any speech or action beneficial to the stability and development of
the relationship across the Taiwan Straits has been welcome, a
spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office under the State Council
said in Beijing Friday.
"On the other hand, we have always opposed whatever one says or
does which is detrimental to the stability and development of the
relationship across the Taiwan Strait," he added.
The spokesman made the remarks while commenting on Taiwan leader
Chen Shui-bian's New Year speech on Jan. 1.
The 16th
National Congress of the Communist Party of China has made
clear China's position on promoting the cross-Straits relationship
and realizing the reunification of the motherland.
"It fully expressed our goodwill and sincerity," the spokesman
said. "So long as the leaders of the Taiwan Authority take into
consideration the interests of the broad masses of our compatriots
in Taiwan, truly agree with direct transport and resume dialogue
and consultation, the relations between both sides of the Taiwan
Straits will make substantial improvement," he said.
In
a speech given on January 1, Chen Shui-bian said both Taiwan and
Beijing should give their priority to the creation of a platform
that would lead to peace and stability.
(Xinhua News Agency January 3, 2002)