Top political advisor stresses cross-Straits mutual trust

Yu Zhengsheng (front, R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and Kuomintang Honorary Chairman Lien Chan (front, L) attend a cross-Strait forum with deputies from a wide range of sectors in Beijing, China, Feb 19, 2014. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

Top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng on Wednesday said that enhancing political mutual trust and consolidating common ground are key for the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks while addressing a symposium attended by a delegation led by Lien Chan, honorary chairman of Taiwan's Kuomintang party, on Wednesday afternoon.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with Lien on Tuesday and elaborated the concept that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are of one family and expressed the aspiration to jointly realize the Chinese dream.

"This fully demonstrates the mainland's sincerity and willingness to promote the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations and seek the revitalization of the Chinese nation," Yu said.

Yu described the mainland and Taiwan as a "common homeland" for both sides, saying that maintaining and building it well is "our common aspiration."

Enhancing political mutual trust and consolidating common ground are the key to guarantee the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations, Yu said. "cross-Straits ties will move forward steadily only if the two sides maintain and deepen common understanding of the One-China principle on the basis of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing 'Taiwan independence'."

He called on the two sides to deepen communication and cooperation in various fields and promote the consultation on relevant topics, and let more grassroots people to participate in cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation.

Lien said the he hopes there will be broader contact and communication between mainland and Taiwan via diversified participation of people from all walks of life in Taiwan.

Lien, chairman of a foundation on cross-Straits development, is visiting Beijing from Monday to Thursday.