Peace across Taiwan Strait in interests of all parties

Editor's note: In a recent interview, United States President Donald Trump made remarks regarding China's Taiwan island. Liu Xiangping, head of the Institute of Taiwan Studies at Nanjing University, Wang Yingjin, director of the Research Center for Cross-Strait Relations at the Renmin University of China, Xu Xiaoquan, a research fellow at the Institute of Taiwan Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and Sheng Jiuyuan, director of the Center for Taiwan Studies at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, shared their views on Trump's remarks. Below are excerpts of the experts' comments as reported by Xinhua News Agency.

The one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques are the foundation of the consensus on a "constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability". The future development of China-US relations is based on this foundation, and no US support or tolerance for "Taiwan independence" is an essential aspect of this framework.

The root cause of the ongoing tensions across the Taiwan Strait in recent years lies in the Democratic Progressive Party authorities' attempt to rely on the US for "Taiwan independence" and the efforts of external forces to use the Taiwan question to contain China.

Trump's remarks clearly demonstrate that the US does not want separatist forces on the island to leverage US influence to advance their agenda. This has dealt a heavy blow to Taiwan region leader Lai Ching-te and the DPP authorities, which have been stubbornly seeking "Taiwan independence".

The Taiwan question is pivotal to the overall situation of a "constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability", and it remains the most important issue in bilateral relations.

The US understands China's position on the Taiwan question. If China and the US work together to safeguard peace across the Taiwan Strait, it will create favorable conditions for the peaceful coexistence of the two countries and their win-win cooperation. It is a strategic choice the two countries can make to benefit the entire world.

The US side should adhere to the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, and take concrete actions to maintain the steady development of Sino-US relations and peace and stability across the Strait.

The Chinese mainland has effectively targeted and punished "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and diehard elements. It has the determination and capacity to resolve the Taiwan question, firmly securing the initiative in cross-Strait relations.

Realizing China's national reunification is an aspiration shared by compatriots on both sides of the Strait. Therefore, compatriots on both sides of the Strait should jointly and resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence", deepen exchanges and strive together for national reunification and rejuvenation.

"Taiwan independence" and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water. Safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the biggest common denominator between China and the US. The US side must exercise extra caution in handling the Taiwan question. 

Not supporting or condoning "Taiwan independence" is the key to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

In a briefing on the China-US summit, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the "impression coming out of the summit" is that the US side "understands China's position, takes China's concerns seriously", and "like the rest of the international community, does not agree with or accept Taiwan moving toward independence".

The future development of China-US relations must start from the foundation of the one-China principle and the three joint communiques between China and the US. Trump's statement shows that the US side does not want to get dragged into a war by those seeking "Taiwan independence".