Carry forward the peaceful reunification of the nation, 1998
On 30 January 1995, at a New Year tea party held by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the CPC Central Committee, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and other units, Jiang Zemin, General Secretary of the CC of the CCP and President, delivered an important speech entitled "Continue to Promote the Reunification of the Motherland" (为促进祖国统一大业的完成而继续奋斗). In the speech, Jiang presented an eight-point proposal that have a bearing on the development of the relations between the two sides across the Taiwan Straits and the promotion of peaceful reunification. The proposal spelled out the following:
1. Adherence to the principle of one China
2. Allowing the development of non-governmental economic and cultural ties by Taiwan with other countries, while opposing the ideas of "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan"
3. To hold negotiations between the two sides on the peaceful reunification
4. Strive for the peaceful reunification since Chinese should not fight fellow Chinese. China's not undertaking to give up the use of force is not directed against compatriots in Taiwan but against the schemes of foreign forces to interfere with China's reunification and to bring about the "independence of Taiwan"
5. Expand the economic exchanges and cooperation between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits so as to achieve prosperity on both sides to the benefit of the entire nation
6. People on both sides of the Taiwan Straits should inherit and carry forward the fine traditions of Chinese culture
7. To respect the life style of the compatriots in Taiwan and their wish to be the masters of our country and protect all their legitimate rights and interests
8. Taiwanese leaders are welcome to pay visits in appropriate capacities. The Chinese side is also ready to accept invitations from the Taiwan side to visit Taiwan.
