As the saying goes, "If brothers are of the same mind, their edge can cut through metal." The people of both sides of the Strait, regardless of their parties, social strata, religions, or localities, should support each other in achieving national rejuvenation and the Chinese Dream as quickly as possible.
—Speech given by Xi Jinping when receiving a delegation from Taiwan comprised of people from all walks of life, February 18, 2014
If Brothers Are of the Same Mind, Their Edge Can Cut Through Metal
At the invitation of the Chinese Mainland, Lien Chan, honorary chairman of the KMT of China and chairman of the Cross-Strait Peaceful Development Fund, led a delegation from Taiwan to Beijing to take part in an exchange on February 17-20, 2014. During his meeting with Lien Chan, Xi Jinping delivered a speech entitled "Together Fulfilling the Chinese Dream of National Rejuvenation." At the close of the speech, he quoted the line "If brothers are of the same mind, their edge can cut through metal" to express his vision of a beautiful future on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
The saying "If brothers are of the same mind, their edge can cut through metal" originated in The Book of Changes. This Chinese classic, known alternatively as Yi Jing (I Ching) or the Changes of Zhou, keys off the Chinese character "Yi," which carries the three-fold meaning of variability, simplicity, and regularity. The book was authored by men of the Zhou Dynasty (1046-221 BC, hence the name "Changes of Zhou"). The work is divided into two sections: "Yi Jing" and the "Ten Wings." The book is structured around 64 hexagrams -- abstract arrangements of horizontal lines -- which represent the various changes that can occur within any kind of two-way relationship. Xi Jinping quoted from the following passage: "When two people are of the same mind, their edge can cut through metal; when two people are of the same heart, their words are sweet like the fragrance of orchids." The idea here is that a powerful synergy -- in deeds and words alike -- is created when two individuals operate on the same wavelength. This verse is often quoted to describe the strength that grows out of solidarity.
Xi Jinping's speech focused on four points. First, people on both sides of the Strait are of the same family; no one can cut the veins that connect us. Second, we share the same destiny, and there is no knot that cannot be unraveled. Third, we should join our efforts in promoting peaceful cross-Strait relations. And fourth, the people of the two sides should work hand in hand towards the Chinese Dream, the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
We on both sides of the Strait are of the same flesh and blood. We share the same history and culture. Despite the Strait that lies between us, our destinies have always been inextricably linked. A prosperous Chinese nation will result in our common good; a feeble Chinese nation will bode iii for both of us. It is our singular hope that we would draw closer and reunite, and that no power would be able to pull us apart. Xi Jinping drew particular attention to the fact that people on the Mainland side of the Strait empathize deeply with our brethren on the other side for the pain they have suffered. The best therapy for emotional scars is true kinship, as it promises to bring healing, reconciliation, and a deep sense of mutual understanding. That is the power of fraternal affection.
The year 2008 signaled a positive turning point in cross-Strait relations, ushering in important developments such as the restoration of the "three direct links" (trade, transport, and postal services). Compatriots across the Strait agreed to pursue peaceful development, an unprecedented move that has brought benefit to both sides. Achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation by creating prosperity for the country and happiness for the people has been the long-cherished wish of Sun Yat-sen, the CPC, and, in modern times, the Chinese people as a whole. The Chinese Dream that we speak of is a vibrant description of China's long-cherished wish. It is a dream shared by Chinese on both sides of the Strait and, as such, it calls for our joint efforts.
It is only when brothers on both sides of the Strait "are of the same mind" that we will be able to "cut through metal." If we all take an active part in the work of national rejuvenation, we will be able to create a bright future for all of us and make our common dream a living reality.
(An excerpt from XI JINPING: WIT AND VISION -- SELECTED QUOTATIONS AND COMMENTARY, published by FOREIGN LANGUAGES PRESS in 2015)
