For Beijing pro-independence forces in Taiwan remain the biggest threat to peace
Beijing (AsiaNews/SCMP) "Pro-independence forces in Taiwan remain the biggest threat to peace in the region," said Jia Qinglin, a Communist Party Politburo Standing Committee member, at an official ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of Taiwan's liberation from Japan.
"Combating and containing those forces remains the first priority for compatriots from both sides," he said.
"The return of Taiwan to China is undeniable, and the legal status of Taiwan as an inalienable part of China's territory is beyond doubt, and can never be challenged," Mr Jia said.
The same message was highlighted yesterday in an editorial in a government newspaper.
"As we review the history of Taiwan from its cession to its recovery and other historical facts about Taiwan, we see that Taiwan has never been a country but instead an inalienable part of the Chinese territory," it said.
In his speech, Mr Jia urged Taipei to recognise the one-China principle to start any political dialogue between the two sides without prejudice. "Compatriots on both sides are Chinese and negotiations will be on an equal footing"
Experts have noted that China's President Hu Jintao has adopted a softer approach in dealing with Taiwan. He has met opposition leaders from the island and offered economic concessions to woo support from Taiwanese businessmen and the public.
However, the island's government under President Chen Shui-bian has remained unmoved and has continued to discourage closer contacts with the mainland.
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