About 150 years ago, across the Pacific, a prophetic maxim was voiced that would profoundly change the course of a then emerging power: "A house divided against itself cannot stand."

For decades, a narrow strip of water has witnessed a widening political, economic and ideological divide between its two sides: Mainland and Taiwan. Lack of communication, combined with developmental disparity, shortsighted expediencies and propaganda, left people across the Straits sadly estranged from one other. But despite all this, what remains in people's minds, consciously or unconsciously, is a truth and conviction that "blood is thicker than water."

Thanks to unremitting efforts by people and wise leaders across the Straits, reconciliation and reunification began to gather momentum in the late 1980s. Especially since the year 2008, based on joint reiteration of the "1992 Consensus", which acknowledges the fact that "both Taiwan and the mainland belong to one China", cross-Straits relations have entered a fast track of development. Recent positive changes give us reason to believe that cross-Straits relations will move towards greater peace and prosperity.

In order to facilitate "the peaceful growth of cross-Straits relations", the mainland has repeatedly pledged sincerity, continuity and flexibility in its policy towards Taiwan. The latest policy declaration can be found in President Hu Jintao's report to the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), in which he expressed the CPC's readiness "to conduct exchanges, dialogue and cooperation with any political party in Taiwan as long as it does not seek Taiwan independence and recognizes the one-China principle" and also its expectation that the two sides can "explore cross-Straits political relations and make reasonable arrangements for them under the special condition that the country is yet to be reunified."

Taiwan's leader Ma Ying-jeou celebrates after winning the Taiwan's 2012 leadership election in Taipei January 14, 2012.[China Daily/Agencies]

The mainland's goodwill has been reciprocated by Taiwan with a constructive line of policy. Taiwan's leader Ma Ying-jeou has openly confirmed that the "1992 Consensus" is "a historical fact written down in black and white". Many senior Taiwan leaders, in various forms, voiced or signaled their recognition of the "1992 Consensus" and expressed positive views about cross-Straits relations. Recent visits to the mainland by DPP (Democratic Progressive Party) officials including its renowned ex-leader Hsieh Chang-ting have raised people's hope that the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations may become a cross-party consensus in Taiwan.

However, even though the "1992 Consensus" has been reaffirmed by Taiwan authorities and cross-Straits relations are now on the right track, sometimes we still feel puzzled and uncertain about the island's tricky politics, which may strike some observers as contradictory or unrealistic. For example, while the "1992 Consensus" is recognized, the "one-China principle" is not taken seriously; while cross-Straits economic cooperation is welcomed, mainland investors are not; while mainland students and brides are allowed in, their social welfare is kept out. The list goes on.

All these contradictory messages leave people wondering which matters more for some politicians in Taiwan: the loss and gain in island politics or the peace and prosperity across the Straits?

Perhaps, cross-Straits realities somehow defy "black or white" logic. Perhaps, it takes time for both sides to be more understanding and more forgiving of each other, given the separation we have suffered for the past 63 years. But, with a view to a bright future and a shared past, isn't it possible for us to find a way to surmount differences of the moment and join hands again for the rejuvenation of our nation?

Since 2008, we have seen much less confrontation and finger-pointing between Taiwan and the mainland. But greater peace and prosperity comes with greater wisdom and resolve. In this sense, Taiwan can make a greater contribution if it can adopt a more pragmatic and realistic line. Even more important than that, however, is that we put ourselves in each other' shoes and realize the basic fact that we have always been the same people, the same nation.

The three terms of KMT Chairmen Lien Chan, Wu Po-hsiung and Ma Ying-jeou have all, on different occasions, emphasized the importance of "empathy" (tong li xin, 同理心) in cross-Straits relations. This makes me recall the CPC leader Xi Jinping's remarks to Hong Kong SAR officials in 2008, in which he highlighted the importance of "tong qing da li (通情达理)", literally meaning "share the same sentiment, reach the same reason". Put into the context of cross-Straits relations, "the sentiment" is our shared national feelings and memories and "the reason" can refer to historical trends and the people's interest.

The author is a China.org.cn columnist. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/luohuaiyu.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn

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