BEIJING, Jan. 31 -- The mainland is ready to talk with Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian as long as he agrees that both sides of the Straits belong to the one and same China, a top State leader said Friday.

    Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, delivered the message at a gathering held in Beijing to mark the 10th anniversary of Jiang Zemin's eight-point proposition on Taiwan.

    It was the first time the Central Government had categorically shown its willingness to talk with Chen, reported the China Daily.

    Due to Chen's obstinate push for "Taiwan independence," the mainland has ruled out any contact with the Taiwan leader since he took power in May 2000.

    "We are open on who to negotiate with and what to negotiate," said Jia, apparently referring to Chen from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party.

    "Regardless of his past rhetoric and actions, as long as he starts now to unequivocally recognize the 1992 consensus that upholds the one-China principle, cross-Straits dialogue can be resumed right away and any matter can be put on the table," said Jia.

    Despite his call for cross-Straits talks, Jia strongly warned against "escalating Taiwan independence activities," citing Chen's proposed "constitutional re-engineering project" as "the most dangerous and destructive."

    Wang Zaixi, vice minister of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said Jia's overtures represented the basic stance and political perspectives of the new generation of Chinese leadership headed by President Hu Jintao on major issues in cross-Straits relations.

    Jia's address offered many "new ideas and strategies of the new State leadership for developing cross-Straits ties and settling the Taiwan question," Wang told a press conference called to elaborate on Jia's speech.

    (Source:Shenzhen Daily)