BEIJING, Jan. 28 (Xinhuanet) -- On Jan. 30 of 1995, Jiang Zemin, the then General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chinese President, delivered an important speech entitled "Continue to Promote the Reunification of the Motherland".

    In the speech, Jiang stated eight-point proposal on some important questions that have a bearing on the development of the relations between the two sides across the Taiwan Straits and the promotion of the peaceful reunification of the motherland. The proposal includes:

    Firstly, adherence to the principle of one China is the basis and premise for peaceful reunification. China's sovereignty and territory must never be allowed to suffer split. We must firmly oppose any words or actions aimed at creating an "independent Taiwan" and the propositions which are in contravention of the principle of one China.

    Secondly, We do not challenge the development of non-governmental economic and cultural ties by Taiwan with other countries. However, we oppose Taiwan's activities in "expanding its living space internationally" which are aimed at creating "twoChinas" or "one China, one Taiwan". Only after the peaceful reunification is accomplished can the Taiwan compatriots and otherChinese people of all ethnic groups truly and fully share the dignity and honor attained by our great motherland internationally.

    Thirdly, to hold negotiations between the two sides on the peaceful reunification of the motherland. Representatives from thevarious political parties and mass organizations on both sides of the Taiwan Straits can be invited to participate in such talks. Onthe premise that there is only one China, we are prepared to talk about any matter, including all matters of concern to the Taiwan authorities. As the first step, negotiations should be held and anagreement reached on officially ending the state of hostility between the two sides. On this basis, the two sides should undertake jointly to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorialintegrity and map out plans for the future development of their relations.

    Fourthly, We should strive for the peaceful reunification of the motherland since Chinese should not fight fellow Chinese. Our not undertaking to give up the use of force is not directed against our compatriots in Taiwan but against the schemes of foreign forces to interfere with China's reunification and to bring about the "independence of Taiwan".

    Fifthly, Great efforts should be made to 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 Chinese nation. We hold that political differences should not affect or interfere with the economic cooperation between the two sides. We are in favor of conducting the kind of negotiations on the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit and signing non-governmental agreements on the protection of the rights and interests of industrialists and businessmen from Taiwan.Whatever the circumstances may be, we shall safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of industrialists and businessmen from Taiwan.

    Sixthly, The splendid culture of Chinese nation has become tieskeeping the entire Chinese people close at heart and constitutes an important basis for the peaceful reunification of the motherland. People on both sides of the Taiwan Straits should inherit and carry forward the fine traditions of the Chinese culture.

    Seventhly, We should fully 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. Therelevant departments of our party and the government including theagencies stationed abroad should strengthen close ties with compatriots from Taiwan, listen to their views and demands, be concerned with and take into account their interest and make everyeffort to help them solve their problems. All parties and personages of all circles in Taiwan are welcome to exchange views with us on relations between the two sides and on peaceful reunification and are also welcome to pay a visit and tour places.

    Eighthly, Leaders of the Taiwan authorities are welcome to pay visits in appropriate capacities. We are also ready to accept invitations from the Taiwan side to visit Taiwan. We can discuss state affairs, or exchange ideas on certain questions first. The affairs of Chinese people should be handled by ourselves, something that does not take an international occasion to accomplish.

    The speech, both inheritance and development of Deng Xiaoping'sconcept of "one country, two systems", has demonstrated the CPC and Chinese government's resolution and sincerity to unite compatriots from both sides of the Straits and to promote the peaceful reunification of the motherland.

    It is regarded as a creed bearing both historical and practicaldirective meanings for developing the cross-Straits relations and propelling the reunification cause.

    Jiang made the speech at a tea party jointly sponsored by sevendepartments in charge of affairs related to Taiwan and reunification of China. Enditem