Mainland to continue Taiwan policies

Yu Zhengsheng, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, addresses the conference of the 5th Straits Forum in Xiamen of southeast China's Fujian Province, June 16, 2013.(Xinhua/Li Tao)

Top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng on Sunday promised that the Chinese mainland will continue "correct policies" to consolidate peaceful mainland-Taiwan ties, while welcoming former pro-independence Taiwanese to visit the mainland.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks in a keynote speech at the fifth Straits Forum, which opened in the coastal city of Xiamen in southeast China's Fujian Province on Sunday.

"Our new leadership will continue to follow the correct policies and dedicate itself to consolidating the political, economic, cultural and social foundation for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations," Yu said.

He described the relations as having improved significantly since 2008, when the Kuomintang, led by a new generation of leaders, returned to power in the Taiwan election, and said fruitful exchanges and cooperation have opened a new era of peaceful development, bringing substantial benefits to people on both sides.

Yu said the key to the peaceful development lies in the success of the two sides opposing "Taiwan independence" and adhering to the "1992 consensus."

The political advisor has called for both sides to firmly oppose advocates of "Taiwan independence" and other foreign forces that intend to sabotage the country.

In the speech, Yu welcomed all Taiwanese compatriots to visit the mainland, especially those who have never been.

"Even people who once supported 'Taiwan independence' or engaged in related activities are welcome to visit the mainland and participate in cooperation as long as they have wishes to improve cross-Strait relations," Yu said.

He called on people from both sides to carry out more communication, boost understanding and beef up cooperation in order to achieve a win-win situation.

"It's understandable that some Taiwanese compatriots lack knowledge or have misunderstandings on the mainland and remain doubtful about the development of the cross-Strait relations," according to Yu. "So we must work with great patience toward resolving the misunderstandings."

He reiterated that all government offices should create better conditions for cross-Strait communication and cooperation and unveil more favorable policies for the Taiwanese people.

A group of new policies has been announced at the forum with aims to facilitate further exchanges between the mainland and Taiwan. The forum is the largest annual event for cross-Straits grassroots exchanges.

"We must work hard to bring the dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation to the hearts of more people," Yu said. "It is a dream pursued by many in our older generations and should be the common goal for the two sides."

Yu's remarks came after a call by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, for the mainland and Taiwan to "heal the historical trauma" and set the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation as their common goal.

"Though the mainland and Taiwan are yet to be reunified, they belong to one China and are inseparable parts of the country," Xi said while meeting visiting Honorary Chairman of the Kuomintang Party Wu Poh-Hsiung on Thursday.

"The peaceful development of cross-Straits ties has become an important part of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," Xi added.