On this day, 46 years ago, January 1, 1979 (December 3, 1978 in the lunar calendar), the letter to Taiwan compatriots was published. 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 content of the "Letter from the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China to Compatriots in Taiwan" is as follows: Dear Taiwan compatriots: Today is New Year's Day in 1979. On behalf of the people of all ethnic groups on the motherland, we extend cordial greetings and heartfelt congratulations to all our compatriots. There was a saying in the past: "I miss my relatives more frequently during the festive season." At this time of celebrating the New Year, we miss our own flesh and blood-our brothers and sisters in Taiwan even more. We know that you also miss your relatives in the motherland and the mainland infinitely. This mutual longing that has lasted for many years is increasing day by day. Since the unfortunate separation of Taiwan from the motherland in 1949, we have had no communication and no exchanges have been cut off. The motherland has not been reunified and relatives have not been reunited. The nation, the country and the people have suffered tremendous losses. All China compatriots and Chinese people around the world hope for an early end to this sad 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. China's government has ordered the People's Liberation Army to stop shelling Kinmen and other islands starting today. There is still a military confrontation between the two sides in the Taiwan Strait, which can only create artificial tension. We believe that this military confrontation should first be ended through negotiations between the government of the People's Republic of China and the Taiwan authorities in order to create the necessary prerequisites and safe environment for any scope of exchanges and contacts between the two sides. Due to long-term isolation, compatriots in mainland China and Taiwan do not understand each other, causing various inconveniences to both sides. Many overseas Chinese who live far away overseas can return to China for sightseeing and reunite with their families. Why can't compatriots in mainland China and Taiwan, who are so close to each other freely? We see no reason why such barriers should continue to exist. We hope that both sides will realize air and postal services as soon as possible to facilitate direct contact between compatriots on both sides, exchange of information, visit relatives and friends, travel, and observe academic culture, sports crafts. Taiwan and the motherland were originally one economically whole. Over the years, economic ties have unfortunately been interrupted. Now that the construction of the motherland is booming, we also hope that Taiwan's economy will become increasingly prosperous. We should fully develop trade with each other, exchange supplies, and conduct economic exchanges. This is a mutual need that is beneficial but harmless to either party. Dear Taiwan compatriots: The bright future of our great motherland belongs to both us and you. Reunifying the motherland is the sacred mission entrusted to our generation by history. The times are advancing and the situation is developing. The sooner we complete this mission, the sooner we can jointly create an unprecedented glorious history in our country, and keep pace with all advanced powers to seek peace, prosperity and progress in the world. Let us join hands and work together for this glorious goal!