Open letter calls for peaceful reunification
By Hu Meidong and Li Dapeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-05-24 05:36

XIAMEN: Hundreds of overseas Chinese representatives have composed an open letter to their Taiwan compatriots expressing their wish for an early reunification for China's future prosperity.

Some 400 members of overseas Chinese associations gathered yesterday in Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province - one of the closest mainland cities to the island.

Arriving from over 80 countries and regions, they attended the Third Conference for Friendship of Overseas Chinese Associations. Meetings were held in Beijing and Fujian.

"Though the two sides across the Straits have not been reunified, the deep emotional ties between the people can never be changed. The truth is mainland and Taiwan belong to one China, and this too, can never be changed," the letter said.

Having experienced the same dialect, culture and folk customs enjoyed by Fujian and Taiwan, the representatives said they felt that people on the two sides are members of one family, said the letter.

It noted that the mainland and Taiwan in recent years have seen a closer relationship in mutual economic and cultural exchanges through joint efforts, "which completely meets the common aspiration across the Straits as well as the developing trend of China and the world."

The letter said: "The central government has long been sparing no effort to promote the peaceful reunification of the two sides, with its goodwill and sincerity widely recognized in the world."

The letter also condemned the Taiwan secessionists and their activities as extremely distorting the patriotism of Taiwan compatriots and their identification with Chinese ethos and culture.

In recent years, many overseas Chinese have held influential activities to boost the nation's peaceful reunification abroad, showing their sincere wish to maintain peace and stability and boost joint progress across the Straits, said the representatives.

If the mainland and Taiwan can co-operate to develop, the nation would have a great future, the letter emphasized.

"Only when it comes to see the nation's complete reunification, can China really grow into a powerful country, and Taiwan compatriots and overseas Chinese can really enjoy the dignity and honour owned by China in the world," said the letter.

(China Daily 05/24/2005 page2)

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