Closer cross-Straits relations welcomed
Updated: 2012-03-23 07:18
By Zhao Yinan in Beijing and Tan Zongyang in Fuzhou (China Daily)
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Hu stresses national sovereignty as he meets KMT officials
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".
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