HK to play unique role in promoting peaceful reunification: Tung Chee Hwa
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-01-28 20:39

Tung said that both Jiang and Hu's speeches on the Taiwan issue have placed the one-China principle atop, and that this proves the principle, as the base and premise of developing cross-Straits relations and achieving the country's peaceful reunification, is consistent and will never change.

Tung concluded the interview by saying with emotion the Chinese mainland people and the Taiwan people are bothers and sisters sharing ties of blood. China is the common home for compatriots across the Straits.

Peaceful reunification is the common will of the people across the Straits as well as all the Chinese people throughout the world. It will be conducive to peace and development in Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, Asia and the world.

Tung quoted Hu as saying, "Whatever is beneficial to promoting the country's peaceful reunification, we will try our best to do it, and will do it well." It clearly shows the central authorities ' sincerity and determination to realize peaceful reunification of the motherland, Tung said.

In another joint interview by the same three media organizations, Tsang Hin Chi, member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, also spoke highly of the feasibility of the principles of peaceful reunification and "one country, two systems."

"Since its return to the motherland eight years ago, Hong Kong has maintained a good development momentum due to the government's governance in accordance with the Basic Law," said Tsang, who is also life honorary chairman of the Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Hong Kong-based Goldlion Holdings Limited.

"Whenever Hong Kong encounters difficulties, the central government has always given unlimited support and help, all aiming to do good to Hong Kong," said Tsang.

"Thanks to the support of the mainland, the Hong Kong economy has maintained a growth rate of 6 percent. Both the city's economy and the Hong Kong people's livelihood have now reached the best level since its return to the motherland," he said.

According to Jiang's "eight-point proposals," the "one country, two systems" principle will give more flexibility to Taiwan than to Hong Kong, noted Tsang, calling on the Taiwan authorities to stop separating Taiwan from China, respond to the "four-point guidelines" set forth by President Hu and come back to the track of the one-China principle.

"I believe the people of Taiwan will feel the sincerity and good-will from the mainland," said Tsang confidently.