Taiwan leader hopes to develop cross-Straits ties

Taiwan's mainland policies conform to mainstream public opinion, according to Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou on Wednesday.

He made the comments at a meeting of Central Executive Committee of Taiwan's ruling Kuomintang party (KMT).

Wang Yu-chi, mainland affairs chief of Taiwan authorities delivered a report on cross-Straits relations, after the recent 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Speaking after Wang, Ma, also chairman of the KMT, said Taiwan will continue with policies and make contributions to the well-being of the people across the Taiwan Straits.

He added that he hoped cross-Straits relations will continue to develop along the same direction no matter which party rules Taiwan in the future, as the current way benefits Taiwan the most.

Ma pointed out three priorities of Taiwan's mainland affairs, including expanding and deepening cross-Straits exchanges, establishing offices on each other's side, and amending relevant regulations concerning exchanges.

Ma added that a total of 300 million U.S. dollars have been invested in Taiwan from the Chinese mainland after it was opened to the mainland's capital three years ago. Investment from the mainland has created more than 5,000 jobs.

He said Taiwan will continue to expand exchanges with the mainland in culture, education and other sectors.