On December 26, 1978, the fifth meeting of the Standing Committee of the Fifth National People's Congress discussed and approved the "Letter from the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China to Compatriots in Taiwan," which was officially published on January 1, 1979.

The contents of the "Letter from the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China to Compatriots in Taiwan" are as follows:

Dear Taiwan compatriots:

Today is New Year's Day 1979. On behalf of the people of all ethnic groups in the mainland of our motherland, we extend cordial greetings and heartfelt congratulations to all our compatriots.

There is a saying in the past: "I miss my relatives more every festive season". At this time of celebrating the New Year, we miss our own flesh and blood - our brothers and sisters in Taiwan. We know that you also miss your relatives in the motherland and the mainland infinitely. This mutual missing that has lasted for many years is increasing day by day. Since the unfortunate separation of Taiwan from the motherland in 1949, we have been unable to hear and communicate with each other, the motherland cannot be unified, and our relatives cannot be reunited. The nation, country and people have suffered tremendous losses. All Chinese compatriots and Chinese people around the world all hope for an early end to this distressing situation.

Our Chinese nation is a great nation, accounting for nearly a quarter of the world's population. It enjoys a long history and excellent culture, and its outstanding contribution to world civilization and human development is recognized by the world. Taiwan has been an inseparable part of China since ancient times. The Chinese nation has strong vitality and cohesion. Although there have been many foreign invasions and internal disputes in history, none have caused our nation to be divided for a long time. The separation of Taiwan from the motherland in the past 30 years was artificial and violated the interests and aspirations of our nation. This must not continue. Every China, whether living in Taiwan or on the mainland, has an unshirkable responsibility for the survival, development and prosperity of the Chinese nation. Reunifying the motherland, a major task related to the future of the entire nation, is now before all of us. No one can avoid it, and no one should avoid it. If we do not end the current division as soon as possible and realize the reunification of the motherland as soon as possible, how can we comfort our ancestors? How can you explain yourself to future generations? Everyone shares this mind and this is the same principle. Who is the descendant of the Yellow Emperor who wants to become a sinner of the nation for thousands of years?

In the past three decades, China's position in the world has undergone fundamental changes. my country's international status is getting higher and higher, and its international role is becoming more and more important. In order to oppose hegemonism and maintain peace and stability in Asia and the world, people and governments of all countries have placed great expectations on us. Every China is proud of the growing strength of the motherland. If we end the current division as soon as possible and pool our forces, we will be even more limited to what we can contribute to the future of mankind. The early realization of the reunification of the motherland is not only the common aspiration of all China people, including Taiwan compatriots, but also the common hope of all peace-loving people and countries around the world.

Today, realizing the reunification of China is the aspiration of the people and the general trend. The world generally recognizes that there is only one China and that the government of the People's Republic of China is the only legal government in China. The recent signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship and the normalization of relations between China and the United States further show that the trend is moving and that no one can stop it. At present, the motherland is stable and united, and the situation is better than ever. The people of all ethnic groups on the mainland are working together to achieve the great goals of the four modernizations. We earnestly hope that Taiwan will return to the motherland as soon as possible and jointly develop the great cause of founding the country. Our national leaders have expressed their determination to consider the actual situation and complete the great cause of reunifying the motherland. When resolving the reunification issue, they must respect the current situation in Taiwan and the opinions of people from all walks of life in Taiwan, and adopt reasonable policies and measures to prevent the people of Taiwan from suffering losses. People from all walks of life in Taiwan have also expressed their nostalgia for the past, expressed their desire to "identify with the return", put forward various suggestions, and enthusiastically hoped to return to the embrace of the motherland as soon as possible. To this day, all conditions are conducive to reunification, and everything is ready. No one should go against the will of the nation or go against the trend of history.

We place our hope in the 17 million people of Taiwan and the Taiwan authorities. The Taiwan authorities have always adhered to the China stance and opposed Taiwan independence. This is our common position and the basis for cooperation. We have always advocated loving the country as one family. Everyone has the responsibility to unify the motherland. It is hoped that the Taiwan authorities will put national interests first and make valuable contributions to the cause of realizing the reunification of the motherland.

The Chinese government has ordered the People's Liberation Army to stop shelling Kinmen and other islands from today. There is still a military standoff between the two sides in the Taiwan Strait, which can only create artificial tensions. We believe that this military standoff should first be ended through negotiations between the government of the People's Republic of China and the Taiwan authorities, so as to create the necessary prerequisites and a safe environment for exchanges and contacts between the two sides in any scope.

Due to the long-term isolation, compatriots from the mainland and Taiwan do not know each other, which causes various inconveniences to both sides. Many overseas Chinese living abroad can return to China for sightseeing and reunite with their families. Why can't compatriots from the mainland and Taiwan travel freely when they are close at hand? We believe that there is no reason for this kind of barrier to continue to exist. We hope that the two sides will realize air and mail communication as soon as possible, so as to facilitate direct contact, exchange information, visit relatives and friends, travel and visit, and observe academic culture, sports and crafts.

Taiwan and the mainland of the motherland were originally a whole economically. Over the years, economic ties have unfortunately been interrupted. Now, the construction of the motherland is booming, and we also hope that Taiwan's economy will become more and more prosperous. We should fully develop trade with each other, exchange what we have and what we have, and conduct economic exchanges. This is a mutual need and is beneficial to both parties.

Dear Taiwan compatriots:

The bright future of our great motherland belongs to both us and you. The reunification of the motherland is the sacred mission that history has entrusted to our generation. The times are advancing and the situation is developing. The sooner we complete this mission, the sooner we can jointly create an unprecedented splendid history of our country, and keep pace with the advanced powers to seek world peace, prosperity and progress. Let us join hands and work together for this glorious goal!