November 7 marks the 10th anniversary of the "Xi-Ma Meeting". Former President Ma Ying-jeou posted on Facebook, calling on the Democratic Progressive Party to change its "Oppose China, Protect Taiwan" policy and return to the common political foundation across the strait. In response, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office, stated in the evening that the meeting consolidated the "1992 Consensus" as the key political foundation for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, and demonstrated that "Chinese people on both sides of the strait" are fully capable and wise enough to properly resolve issues within the nation and the people. He called on Taiwanese compatriots to work together to create a bright future of national rejuvenation and reunification.
The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council of China released a statement by spokesperson Chen Binhua answering reporters' questions on the evening of the 7th. Chen Binhua said that the historic meeting between leaders on both sides of the strait on November 7, 2015, was a major step led by the CPC Central Committee with General Secretary Xi Jinping at its core, to promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and advance the cause of national unification. It pioneered direct dialogue and communication between leaders on both sides, elevated cross-strait political interactions to a new level, and became an important milestone in the development of cross-strait relations.
Chen Binhua stated that the historic leaders' meeting and the development of cross-strait relations since then have fully proven that as long as the "1992 Consensus" is upheld, "Taiwan independence" is opposed, and there is recognition that "both sides are Chinese" and part of one family, compatriots on both sides can absolutely sit down to talk, deepen mutual understanding, build trust, resolve differences, and seek consensus. In this way, cross-strait relations can develop peacefully, the Taiwan Strait can remain peaceful and stable, and the well-being and interests of compatriots on both sides can be enhanced.
He said, on the contrary, denying the "1992 Consensus", departing from the "one China principle", seeking "Taiwan independence" and division, stirring up "Oppose China, Protect Taiwan", and creating enmity and confrontation between the two sides would make cross-strait dialogue and consultation impossible, put the Taiwan Strait at risk of war and danger, and harm the interests of the people of Taiwan.
He emphasized that unification is historical trend and the right path. "Taiwan independence" is against the tides of history and a dead end. Only by resolving the political opposition between the two sides as soon as possible and moving toward complete reunification can lasting peace be ensured in the Taiwan Strait.