Overseas Chinese welcome Lien visit

cctv.com 04-29-2005 13:36

Many overseas Chinese have welcomed Lien Chan's groundbreaking visit to the mainland. Our reporter Wang Feizhou has the following story from Australia where members of the Chinese community praised Lien for saying "no" to Taiwan independence. They said reconciliation is the best path for Taiwan's future.

Many overseas Chinese, including some senior Kuomintang members in Australia, expressed their delight at the news of Lien Chan's visit to the mainland. They say that as overseas Chinese, they had been very worried about tension across the Taiwan Straits. Today, that tension was replaced by a sense of relief.

Han Zhilin, committee member, Australia Office, Kuomintang Party, said, "I was excited to watch the news on TV. It was the best time to invite the Kuomintang leader to visit the mainland. It's a good beginning."

Mr Situ is originally from Kaiping in South China's Guangdong province. He says Lien Chan's visit marks a breakthrough in relations between the two parties.

Situ Huichu, member, Australia Office, Kuomintang Party, said, "When we sit down and start talking, we will gradually be able to build up friendship. We hope to be able to see a peaceful and reunified China."

On the division among people in Taiwan, Mr Yue says he believes most Taiwan people will understand the benefit of peace across the straits.

Yue Chengkai, director of Australia Office, Kuomintang Party, said, "We need to make the Taiwan public understand that peace across the straits and economic development is the best option. I believe some of them will change their minds and make the right decision. It's the Kuomintang's responsibility. The mainland also has this responsibility. Everybody will try their best so that we can create a win-win situation."

Overseas Chinese all agree that Lien Chan's visit to the mainland will have a great impact on preventing Taiwan from moving toward independence.

Editor:Chen Zhuo  Source:CCTV.com