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What is the political foundation of cross-strait relations?

Resolving the Taiwan question to realize China's complete reunification is the shared aspiration of all Chinese people, and is in the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation. We must uphold the principles of "peaceful reunification" and "One Country,Two Systems," work for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, and advance the process toward the peaceful reunification of China.  

The one-China principle is the political foundation of cross-strait relations. The 1992 Consensus embodies the one-China principle and defines the fundamental nature of cross-strait relations; it thus holds the key to the peaceful development of relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits. Recognize the historical fact of the 1992 Consensus and that the two sides both belong to one China, and then our two sides can conduct dialogue to address through discussion the concerns of the people of both sides, and no political party or group in Taiwan will have any difficulty conducting exchanges with the mainland. 

Blood is thicker than water. People on both sides of the Taiwan Straits are brothers and sisters; we share the bond of kinship. Guided by the conviction that we are all of the same family, we respect the current social system and way of life in Taiwan and are ready to share the development opportunities on the mainland with our Taiwan compatriots first. We will expand cross-strait economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation for mutual benefits. 

We will ensure that over time, people from Taiwan will enjoy the same treatment as local people when they pursue their studies, start businesses, seek jobs, or live on the mainland, thus improving the well-being of Taiwan compatriots. We will encourage people from both sides to work together to promote Chinese culture and forge closer bonds between them. 

We stand firm in safeguarding China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will never allow the historical tragedy of national division to repeat itself. Any separatist activity is certain to meet with the resolute opposition of the Chinese people. We have the resolve, the confidence, and the ability to defeat separatist attempts for "Taiwan independence" in any form. We will never allow anyone, any organization, or any political party, at any time or in any form, to separate any part of Chinese territory from China! 

(Source: Extract from Xi Jinping's report at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China on October 18, 2017.)  

This episode is presented by Michael Wang.