Cross-Strait relationship most stable in 60 years

Consensus was reached during the recent meeting of the leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Kuomintang party (KMT) that cross-Strait relations have reached a 60-year peak of stability, a government spokesman said Wednesday.

Hu Jintao, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, and Wu Po-hsiung, honorary chairman of the KMT, reiterated their opposition to "Taiwan independence" and their recognition of the "1992 consensus" during the meeting, Yang Yi, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a press conference.

"They have developed a clearer common understanding that both sides across the Taiwan Strait belong to one China," Yang claimed.

Hu met with a delegation led by Wu in Beijing's Great Hall of the People on March 22.

The "1992 consensus" is an agreement reached between the mainland and Taiwan in 1992, upholding the one-China principle.

Additionally, Yang said the meeting generated five significant results.

Firstly, both recognized that the past four years witnessed historic changes in the cross-Strait relationship, and the Taiwan Strait is "in its most peaceful and stable period in six decades."

Secondly, both sides agreed that the CPC and the KMT should maintain a positive and harmonious environment for the cross-Strait relationship; ushering in a new era and laying a more solid foundation for peaceful development, so that people from both sides can enjoy brighter prospects.

Thirdly, consensus has been reached that both parties should consolidate and boost political mutual trust. The sides agreed that the cross-Strait relationship is not a country-to-country relationship in nature, and they should uphold the common ground that both the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China and shelve other differences.

Fourthly, both sides recognized that compatriots from the mainland and Taiwan are Chinese, belonging to one Chinese nation. People from either side should advance Chinese culture and pass it onto future generations.

Lastly, both sides agreed to push forward cross-Strait economic and cultural cooperation so that people benefit from economic opportunities and strengthen cultural identification and build friendships during exchanges.