City plays significant role in boosting cross-Straits harmony

HONG KONG: The Hongkong Association for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China held a seminar at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre yesterday to discuss President Hu Jintao's speech on commemorating the 30th anniversary of the promulgation of the Message to Compatriots in Taiwan.

In his speech delivered on December 31 of 2008, Hu offered six proposals in politics, economy, culture, society, overseas exchanges and military security to promote the peaceful development of the cross-Straits relationship. The speech showed the mainland's sincerity and goodwill in promoting reunification, while taking care to cause no damage to Taiwan compatriots' interests.

Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Vice-Chairman Tung Chee-hwa considered Hu's speech practical and insightful. He said the mainland managed to stabilize the economy, notwithstanding the global downturn in 2009 and fully supported Hong Kong's efforts to face that challenge. Because of such developments and climate of goodwill, Tung believes that the cross-Straits relationship will develop in a peaceful way.

Tung also cited Hong Kong's role in promoting the reunification process. First,the One Country Two Systems formula has been successfully implemented in Hong Kong since 1997. Second, Hong Kong is a bridge linking the mainland and Taiwan in terms of fostering closer cooperation.

Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong, Peng Qinghua, said that, guided by the philosophy of scientific development, the mainland will guarantee the long-term stability on both sides of the Taiwan Straits as well as consider Taiwan's reasonable requests. On the other hand, the central government will firmly oppose any separatist activities, he noted.

Chief Secretary for Administration Tang Ying-yen agrees that Hong Kong is a perfect example to show the feasibility of the One Country Two Systems principle. To facilitate travel for the Taiwan compatriots, under a policy implemented last April, they can stay in Hong Kong for seven days without having to obtain a proper mainland permit.

To reinforce mutual collaboration, Hong Kong and Taiwan have established several trading committees. Even though these committees are not official organizations, Hong Kong officials will participate in and support their activities, Tang said.

Chairman and Publisher of Wen Wei Po Wang Shucheng recommended that Hong Kong media help promote reunification. Moreover, he said, it is important to strengthen co-operation with Taiwan media in order to help accomplish the reunification.

Chairman of the Kowloon Chamber of Commerce Bernard C.W. Lau said there are some Taiwan compatriots who still misunderstand the mainland and some are hostile to the mainland. Lau suggested the central government take a proactive approach to find out the cause of such misunderstandings and solve the problem patiently.

(HK Edition 01/07/2010 page2)