Meeting between Xi and Ma sets good precedent for 'family affair'

Xi Jinping and Ma Ying-jeou shook hands on Saturday afternoon in Singapore in the first meeting between leaders of the two sides of the Taiwan Straits since 1949, opening up a historic page in cross-Straits relations. [Photo/Agencies]

Xi Jinping and Ma Ying-jeou met and exchanged their visions with regards to the cross-Straits relations on Saturday afternoon in Singapore, marking the first meeting between leaders of the two sides of the Taiwan Straits since 1949. Comments:

The landmark meeting between Xi and Ma opened a new page for cross-Straits interaction. Admittedly, it is unlikely to put an immediate end to the decades-long separation and differences between both sides, especially given the ongoing election on the island. But their history-making conversation, which is beyond parties and positions, will surely consolidate the emotional bonds that connect both sides of the Straits and inject fresh insights into future exchanges. Both the mainland and Taiwan can enjoy a better future should they adhere to the fundamental principle that there is only one China.

ifeng.com, Nov 7

The meeting between Xi and Ma on Saturday should serve as a precedent in cross-Straits political exchanges, and it will undoubtedly play a central role in "maintaining the status quo in the cross-Straits relations". Besides, it enshrines the historic 1992 Consensus that both sides should abide by, because whichever party comes to power on the island can no longer muddle through with regard its stance toward the Consensus if it truly cares about stability and people's well-being.

People's Daily, Nov 6

The successful meeting between Xi and Ma adds weight to the fact that "the Chinese from both sides have the capabilities and wisdom to solve their own problems", as long as they are determined to understand and respect one another despite the political disparities that exist. The two sides have undergone many ordeals in the past six decades or so, and may face more challenges in the years to come. But the candid exchange of ideas about the "family affair" has brought cross-Straits relations to a new level, and makes the path of peaceful development irreversible.

Dang Chaosheng, a researcher at the Institute of Taiwan Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Nov 7

As the cross-Straits relations are at a crossroad for choosing the direction and path for future development, compatriots on both sides of the Straits will place higher hopes on the joint efforts to safeguard regional peace and improve their well-being. The groundbreaking meeting on Saturday is set to lay a sound foundation for politicians on both sides of the Straits to further promote cross-Straits cooperation and peaceful development.

cntv.cn, Nov 7