Ye Jianying, Chairman of the Standing Committee of
the National People's Congress, in an interview with a
Xinhua correspondent on September 30, 1981, elaborated on
the policy concerning the return of Taiwan to the motherland
for the realization of China's peaceful reunification.
Following is the full text of his statement.
-Ed.
Today, on the eve of the 32nd
anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of
China and at the approach of the 70th anniversary of the
1911 Revolution, I wish, first of all, to extend my festive
greetings and cordial regards to the people of all
nationalities throughout the country, including the
compatriots in Taiwan, Xianggang(Hongkong) and Aomen(Macao),
and Chinese nationals residing in foreign
countries.
On New year's Day 1979, the
Standing committee of the National People's Congress issued
a message to the compatriots in Taiwan, in which it
proclaimed the policy of striving to reunify the motherland
peacefully. The message received warm support and active
response from the people of all nationalities throughout
China, including the compatriots in Taiwan, Xianggang and
Aomen, and those residing abroad. A relaxed atmosphere has
set in across the Taiwan Straits. Now, I would take this
opportunity to elaborate on the policy concerning the return
of Taiwan to the motherland for the realization of peaceful
reunification:
(1) In order to bring an
end to the unfortunate separation of the Chinese nation as
early as possible, we propose that talks be held between the
Communist Party of China and the Kuomintang of China on a
reciprocal basis so that the two parties will co-operate for
the third time to accomplish the great cause of national
reunification. The two sides may first send people to meet
for an exhaustive exchange of views.
(2)
It is the urgent desire of the people of all nationalities
on both sides of the strait to communicate with each other,
reunite with their families and relatives, develop trade and
increase mutual understanding. We propose that the two sides
make arrangements to facilitate the exchange of mails,
trade, air and shipping services, family reunions and visits
by relatives and tourists as well as academic, cultural and
sports exchanges, and reach an agreement
thereupon.
(3) After the country is
reunified, Taiwan can enjoy a high degree of autonomy as a
special administrative region and it can retain its armed
forces. The Central Government will not interfere with local
affairs on Taiwan.
(4) Taiwan's current
socio-economic system will remain unchanged, so will its way
of life and its economic and cultural relations with foreign
countries. There will be no encroachment on the proprietary
rights and lawful rights of inheritance over private
property, houses, land and enterprises, or on foreign
investments.
(5) People in authority and
representative personages of various circles in Taiwan may
take up posts of leadership in national political bodies and
participate in running the state.
(6)
When Taiwan's local finance is in difficulty, the Central
Government may subsidize it as is fit for the
circumstances.
(7) For people of all
nationalities and public figures of various circles in
Taiwan who wish to come and settle on the mainland, it is
guaranteed that proper arrangements will be made for them,
that there will be no discriminations against them, and that
they will have the freedom of entry and
exit.
(8) Industrialists and businessmen
in Taiwan are welcome to invest and engage in various
economic undertakings on the mainland, and their legal
rights, interests and profits are
guaranteed.
(9) The reunification of the
motherland is the responsibility of all Chinese. We
sincerely welcome people of all nationalities, public
figures of all circles and all mass organizations in Taiwan
to make proposals and suggestions regarding affairs of state
through various channels and in various
ways.
Taiwan's return to the embrace of
the motherland and the accomplishment of the great cause of
national reunification is a great and glorious mission
history has bequeathed on our generation. China's
reunification and prosperity is in the vital interest of the
Chinese people of all nationalities - not only those on the
mainland, but those in Taiwan as well. It is also in the
interest of peace in the Far East and the
world.
We hope that our compatriots in
Taiwan will give full play to their patriotism and work
energetically for the early realization of the great unity
of our nation and share the honour of it. We hope that our
compatriots in Xianggang and Aomen and Chinese nationals
residing abroad will continue to act in the role of a bridge
and contribute their share to the reunification of the
motherland.
We hope that the Kuomintang
authorities will stick to their one-China position and their
opposition to "two Chinas" and that they will put
national interests above everything else, forget previous
ill will and join hands with us in accomplishing the great
cause of national reunification and the great goal of making
China prosperous and strong, so as to win glory for our
ancestors, bring benefit to our posterity and write a new
and glorious page in the history of the Chinese nation!
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