It was a moment of profound historical significance as former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou led a delegation of young representatives from Taipei on an extraordinary journey to Beijing. Their destination was the Great Hall of the People, where a red carpet awaited to welcome this symbolically important visit.
As Ma and his entourage approached the iconic building, the air was thick with anticipation. At this crucial juncture, the hosts respectfully addressed Ma as “Mr. Ma Ying-jeou,” setting the tone for the momentous occasion about to unfold.
Echoes of the Past, Whispers of the Future 🗣
Taking the stage, Ma delivered a moving speech, calling for unity and reconciliation with the profound words: “After braving the storms, brothers reunite; upon meeting, grudges melt with a smile.” These heartfelt utterances transcended years of strife and suffering, conveying a fraternal spirit that could dissolve resentments upon reunion.
Adding gravity to the moment, Ma inadvertently uttered the phrase “Republic of China,” alluding to the intricate historical fate intertwining Taiwan and mainland China.
Responding to the call for unity and reconciliation, we are reminded of the revered literary giant Lu Xun’s verses from “Inscription for the Three Pagoda Passes”:
“Lightning flashes, fires rage, consuming lives;
Wells collapse, walls crumble, leaving but starving doves.
Yet with magnanimous hearts, some escape the burning house;
Erecting lofty pagodas, their thoughts linger on the isles.
Phoenixes awaken from dreams, stones still clutched in beaks;
Stalwart warriors stand firm, braving the torrent together.
After enduring apocalyptic waves, brothers reunite;
Upon meeting, grudges melt with a smile.”
Lu Xun’s poetic verses painted a timeless tableau—the past and present converging, just as this historic meeting allowed dreams of unity and shared cultural heritage to transcend boundaries.
Xi Jinping’s Warm Welcome 🤝
Simultaneously, Chinese President and General Secretary Xi Jinping awaited with fervent anticipation, sincerely welcoming Ma’s arrival. Embracing Ma in a friendly gesture and affectionately addressing him as “Mr. Ma,” Xi’s congenial demeanor signaled the dawn of a new era of dialogue and understanding between the two leaders.
Xi’s words carried weight as he highly commended Ma’s adherence to the “1992 Consensus” and his staunch opposition to “Taiwan independence.” He further acknowledged the deep cultural bonds Taiwan and the mainland share, with both peoples harboring a common identity.
Mending Rifts, Uniting as One 🌐
Xi resolutely declared, “There is no conflict that cannot be resolved, no problem that cannot be discussed, and no force that can split us apart.” His words embodied an unwavering resolve to transcend differences and strive for greater unity and understanding.
Just as Lu Xun’s “Inscription for the Three Pagoda Passes” extolled, the meeting between Ma and Xi vividly embodied this truth. Despite political and ideological differences between Taiwan and the mainland, they remain inextricably linked by shared cultural heritage and blood ties. It was a moment that transcended reality, drawing spiritual nourishment from history’s wellspring while nurturing aspirations for a better future.
A Win-Win Agenda 🤝
During this historic meeting, both Ma and Xi demonstrated the wisdom of pursuing mutually beneficial outcomes. They clearly recognized that only by promoting cross-strait reconciliation and integration, and jointly seeking development, could they realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Xi proposed that compatriots across the Strait should uphold the concept of “cross-Strait one family” and cherish their affinity, maintaining the positive momentum of peaceful cross-Strait relations. He called for enhancing mutual understanding, safeguarding and promoting mutual interests, and jointly creating a new situation for the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties.
Ma responded that although there are some differences between the two sides, they should strive to expand consensus based on the political foundation of the “1992 Consensus,” strengthen economic, trade, and cultural exchanges and cooperation, and enhance mutual understanding.
The Power of Youth, Connecting Hearts 🌱
Both leaders recognized that youth are the driving force behind the development of cross-Strait relations. Therefore, they urged young people across the Strait to unite and join hands, contributing their youthful energy to the cause of national reunification.
Xi encouraged young people across the Strait to enhance understanding, cherish their shared cultural heritage, and promote cross-Strait integration with an inclusive, understanding, and open-minded spirit. He expressed hope that they would become participants and leaders in the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Ma also called on young people across the Strait to maintain confidence, broaden their horizons, increase understanding through exchanges, eliminate barriers and prejudices, and contribute their wisdom and strength to advancing peaceful cross-Strait relations.
The youth representatives were inspired by the heartfelt words of the two leaders and vowed to take concrete actions to respond to their call, using their youthful passion to sustain the hope of peaceful reunification across the Strait.
The Power of Culture, Bonding Hearts 🗻
During the meeting, both sides placed great emphasis on harnessing the bonding power of culture to foster closer ties between the peoples across the Strait.
Xi pointed out that Taiwan compatriots and mainland compatriots belong to the same Chinese nation family, and the blood ties that bind them cannot be severed. By enhancing understanding of each other’s cultural ancestry, the sense of national and cultural identity among compatriots across the Strait can be strengthened.
Ma agreed with President Xi’s viewpoint, stating that cross-Strait cultural exchanges should be continually enhanced to deepen mutual understanding and appreciation of their shared historical and cultural heritage. He also suggested expanding student exchanges to promote understanding among the younger generation.
The insightful perspectives of the two leaders echoed Lu Xun’s praise in “Inscription for the Three Pagoda Passes” – the power of culture can carry fervent beliefs across the torrents of time, dissolving hatred in the fraternal bond of post-catastrophe rebirth. As long as compatriots across the Strait embrace their shared cultural roots with open and inclusive hearts, they will surely achieve genuine mutual understanding and reconciliation.
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