Closer cross-Straits relations welcomed

Top officials from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Taiwan's ruling Kuomintang (KMT) met in Beijing for the first time since the KMT's victory in the island's leadership election in January.

Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met a delegation led by Wu Po-hsiung, honorary chairman of the KMT, on Thursday afternoon.

Their handshake marked the first time they met since Ma Ying-jeou, the chairman of the KMT, secured his second term in January. Improving ties with the mainland was a key theme of Ma's campaign.

Both leaders stressed their recognition of the "1992 Consensus", a crucial agreement that holds both sides of the Taiwan Straits adhere to the one-China principle. It is a significant basis for cross-Straits talks and peaceful development.

Although the mainland and Taiwan have not yet been unified, Chinese territory and sovereignty remain intact, Hu said.

He urged the two sides to enhance relations through more cultural and economic exchanges and make progress "hand in hand like a family".

Calling current relations the best in 60 years, Wu said the KMT continues to uphold the "1992 Consensus" and opposes any suggestion or move that would favor Taiwan's independence.

A Taiwan resident whose family have been living on the island for four generations, Wu said the rationale of being a Taiwan resident is totally different from the mentality of those seeking Taiwan independence.

Inheriting and promoting Chinese culture is "a mission that both sides cannot relinquish".

Hu noted the ties have taken an historical turn and seen major accomplishments in the past four years, a time that coincides with Ma's first term in office.

"The peaceful development of relations has won support from both Taiwan residents and the international community," he said.

Envisioning new opportunities in future cross-Straits exchanges, Hu stressed "enhancing mutual political trust" remains the key issue and major drive for the development of ties.

He also said that the two parties, as well as the mainland and Taiwan, should push forward cross-Straits relations "along a correct path" and strive to achieve breakthroughs, including substantial progress in industry, education and culture exchanges.

Chen Xiancai, a researcher at the Taiwan Studies Center in Xiamen University, said regular meetings between the CPC and the KMT have became a pillar to ensure the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.

"The meeting between Hu and Wu is like a platform for the two parties to accumulate high-level political trust, exchange ideas and reach agreements based on the 1992 Consensus," he said.

Chen also believes such talks would