Xi proposes equal consultations on cross-Straits political differences

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said on Tuesday that cross-Straits consultations on political differences should be on an equal basis under the One-China principle.

Xi made the remarks when meeting visiting Kuomintang Honorary Chairman Lien Chan in Beijing.

"Regarding the long-existing political differences across the Taiwan Strait, we are willing to hold consultations with the Taiwan side on an equal basis under the One-China principle and make reasonable arrangements," Xi said.

"I believe that people on both sides have enough wisdom to figure out a solution," he said.

Xi called on the two sides across the Strait to consolidate the basis for adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence", and foster the common understanding of One China.

"This basis is the anchor of cross-Straits relations. So long as both sides adhere to this basis, cross-Straits relations will head for a bright future. If it is breached, cross-Straits relations will return to the old situation of unrest," he said.

Relations between the mainland and Taiwan stalled when the Kuomintang, led by Chiang Kai-shek, fled to Taiwan in 1949 after defeat in a civil war.

Business and personnel exchanges resumed in the late 1980s, and in the early 1990s the two sides started to engage with each other through the mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, and its Taiwan counterpart, the Straits Exchange Foundation.

Over the past five years, the two sides have improved their relations to an unprecedented degree.

Chiefs of cross-Straits affairs from the mainland and Taiwan met formally for the first time since 1949 last week in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province.

Compatriots from both sides have chosen the path of peaceful development of cross-Straits relations, a correct choice that safeguards cross-Straits peace, promotes common development, helps realize the revival of the Chinese nation and brings benefits to people on both sides, Xi said.

Both sides should be confident of this path and work to remove any obstacles along it, he added.

Lien, chairman of a foundation on cross-Straits development, is visiting Beijing from Monday to Thursday.