Mainland calls for peaceful development of cross-Strait relations

The Chinese mainland's Taiwan affairs authority called on Taiwan compatriots to act as promoters of the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, contributing to the reunification of the motherland.

Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks at a Spring Festival gathering for Taiwan compatriots held in Beijing, on Friday.

The event was attended by 40 representatives from various industries such as economics, education, culture, arts and healthcare, as well as Taiwan students in Beijing.

Song expressed hope that the broad Taiwan compatriots should resolutely oppose the separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" and become supporters of the great cause of national reunification, actively engage in China's modernization and become participants in the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

"Compatriots on both sides of the Strait are one family. Family members should care and support each other," he said, adding that Chinese people on both sides have their own responsibilities and should work together for the national reunification and the rejuvenation of the nation.

During a meeting with a delegation from the Taiwan's electrical and electronic industry in Beijing on Thursday, Song said that seeking peace instead of war, development instead of decline, communication instead of separation and cooperation instead of confrontation are the mainstream public opinion on the island.

He said that regardless of how the situation in the Taiwan Strait may change, it will not alter the basic pattern and development direction of cross-Strait relations, nor will it hinder the common desire of compatriots on both sides to get closer, and it will not block the historical trend of national reunification.