More forces urged to oppose "Taiwan independence"

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, called for more efforts to strengthen the forces that oppose "Taiwan independence" and contribute to reunification work.

Jia, also head of the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification, made the remarks when meeting with delegates attending a board meeting of the council Tuesday.

Jia also urged boosting exchanges between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, especially those at grassroots levels, as well as opposing all kinds of secessionist attempts.

Efforts should be made to reinforce the political, economic, cultural and social foundations for the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties and make contributions to the nation's reunification and rejuvenation, Jia said.

Jia expressed his appreciation for the council's achievements as a non-governmental organization in boosting the development of cross-Strait relations.

Thanks to the joint efforts of compatriots on both sides of the Strait, cross-Strait relations have witnessed a series of breakthroughs over recent years, Jia said.

The common political basis of the opposition to "Taiwan independence" and the recognition of the 1992 Consensus have been further fortified, and policies for the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties have won increasing public support, he said.

Jia called on the council to make further efforts in enhancing political mutual trust between the mainland and Taiwan and promoting awareness of the policies for the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Moreover, he urged boosting the world's understanding and recognition of the fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China.