Overseas Taiwanese merchants called to promote cross-Straits ties

Top political advisor Jia Qinglin on Thursday called on overseas Taiwanese merchants to contribute more to fighting "Taiwan independence" activities and promoting the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.

"The peaceful development of cross-Strait relations has brought practical benefits to people from both sides, and has also been widely recognized by Taiwan compatriots and the international community," Jia, a Standing Committee member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said during a meeting with a delegation from the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce.

The past four years have witnessed a period of stability and achievements in exchanges across the Taiwan Strait, said Jia, adding that the good momentum should be deepened in various fields concerning politics, economy and culture.

To consolidate sound cross-Strait relations, joint efforts from the people of both sides as well as support from overseas Taiwanese compatriots are needed, said Jia, also chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Jia encouraged the Taiwanese merchants living overseas to engage in cross-Strait communication and cooperation in a more active manner and support Taiwanese and mainland enterprises' expansion in overseas markets.