Xi Jinping (1st R) meets with Ma Ying-jeou (1st L) at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, Nov. 7, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

SINGAPORE -- Xi Jinping called on the two sides across the Taiwan Straits to prevent historical tragedy from repeating itself in a historic meeting between leaders across the Straits in Singapore Saturday.

"At present, we are at the crossroads for choosing the direction and path for future development in cross-Straits relations," Xi told Ma Ying-jeou.

"We are sitting together today to prevent the historical tragedy from repeating itself, prevent the fruits from peaceful development of cross-Straits ties from being lost again, enable compatriots across the Straits to continue to create a peaceful life, and enable our next generations to share a bright future," Xi said.