"We are convinced that with the unremitting efforts of all sons and daughters of the Chinese nation, the complete reunification of the motherland can be realized at an early date," said Premier Zhu Rongji Wednesday.

In a government work report he delivered at the opening of the First Session of the 10th NPC, Zhu said, "Maintaining the prosperity, stability and development in Hong Kong and Macao is an unshakable goal of ours."

The central government should continue to implement the principle of "one country, two systems" and act in strict accordance with the basic laws of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. The central government should give full support to the chief executives and governments of the two regions in their administration according to law, according to the report.

"We will make greater efforts to encourage exchanges and cooperation between the hinterland and Hong Kong and Macao in economic, trade, educational, scientific, technological, cultural and other fields."

The mainland must implement the basic principles of "peaceful reunification" and "one country, two systems" and the eight-point proposal for the settlement of the Taiwan question, strive for an early resumption of dialogue and negotiation between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits on the basis of the one-China principle, and strongly oppose any statements or actions aimed at creating " Taiwan independence," "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan."

The mainland should further expand the scope of personnel visits across the Straits as well as exchanges and cooperation in the economic, cultural and other fields while vigorously promoting the opening of the "three direct links" between the two sides; increase exchange of views with all political parties and prominent people of various circles in Taiwan on developing cross- Straits relations and promoting peaceful reunification; and continue to give support to the activities of overseas Chinese communities to oppose Taiwan independence and promote national reunification