The March 6 editorial of Macao Daily points out that President Hu's "four-point" talk is a new declaration on the policy toward Taiwan made by the new generation of the Chinese central leadership with Hu Jintao as the General Secretary in light of the change in cross-Strait relations and the new development in the situation across the Taiwan Straits in recent years, which has aroused tremendous repercussions across the Straits.

The speech fully embodies the Chinese mainland's sincerity and goodwill in safeguarding cross-Strait peace, developing cross-Strait relations and promoting peaceful reunification and expresses the leadership's determination to resolutely stop "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities.

The editorial says that Chen Shui-bian and Soong Chu-yu, in their recent meeting in Taiwan reached a "10-point conclusion" on cross-Strait relations, in his "four-point" speech in response to the "10-point conclusion", the President extended to the Taiwan leader an olive branch and transmitted an important message of peace: As long as the Taiwan authorities recognize the "1992 Consensus" and the one-China principle, cross-Strait talks and negotiations can be immediately resumed, and whatever problems can be discussed, and the topics for discussion can be diversified, not only a formal end to the state of cross-Strait hostility and the building of military mutual trust can be discussed, but also the Taiwan authorities' political status and Taiwan's international living space, as well as all problems needing solutions in the process of realization of peaceful reunification can be discussed. These expressions of "can" show more flexibility and feasibility in relations to cross-Strait relations.

The editorial indicates that President Hu's "four-point" speech shows that the mainland's Taiwan policy is extremely broad and loose, even those who have once participated in and preached "Taiwan independence" activities and those political parties which once listed "Taiwan independence" as the political program are not excluded, so long as they acknowledge the "1992 Consensus", the mainland will not bother about what they have said or done and is willing to talk with them issues concerning the development of cross-Strait ties and the promotion of peaceful reunification. These expressions have shown the broad-mindedness and impressive bearing of the leaders of the Chinese mainland, as well as an embodiment of the mainland's greatest effort and utmost sincerity in striving for the prospect of peaceful reunification.

The editorial is of the opinion that as Hu Jintao said there have recently emerged "certain signs of relaxation" in the tense situation across the Straits and new positive factors conducive to curbing "Taiwan independence" splitting activities. But it must be noticed that the separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" forces have so far not ceased, the Taiwan authorities presently still continually carry out "de-China" and "rectification of names" and other gradual Taiwan independence" activities. Failing to resolutely oppose and contain the "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces and their activities will inevitably seriously threaten state sovereignty and territorial integrity, and forfeit the prospect of peaceful reunification of the two sides of the Straits, and harm the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation. Therefore Hu Jintao, while stressing that the mainland will not give up its effort for peaceful reunification, also indicates that the mainland will absolutely not comprise with "Taiwan independence" separatist activities.

The editorial emphasizes that for peace across the Straits and for the well-being of the Taiwan people, the Taiwan authorities should seriously think about Hu Jintao's speech, make a positive response and correct choice in relation to cross-Strait relations. It is also hoped that Taiwan compatriots will carefully understand the goodwill and sincerity as expressed in "Hu's four-point" speech and must not be confused by the ill-intentioned misinterpretation of the speech.

By People's Daily Oline