BEIJING, July 10 (Xinhuanet) -- The mainland's Taiwan Work office and the visiting New Party delegation from Taiwan held a discussion here Sunday on development of relations across the Taiwan Strait.

    "The Chinese nation has strong cohesiveness characterized by patriotism. No force can prevent China's reunification and rejuvenation," said Chen Yunlin, director of the Taiwan Work office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

    With history and the well-being of the 23 million Taiwan people in mind, Chen said, the New Party has been making great efforts to rally Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Straits to build a prosperous, rejuvenated and united China.

    In contrast, "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces sow discord among Taiwan compatriots, incite antagonism across the Taiwan Straits and attempt to separate Taiwan from China, Chen said.

    "Their behavior harms not only the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, but also the immediate interests of Taiwan compatriots," he said.

    "As compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits look forward to steady development of cross-Straits relations, they should combine their efforts to resolutely oppose 'Taiwan independence' secessionist activities and work for a nice future of our nation," he added.

    Chen said the Taiwan Work Office wishes to listen to the views and suggestions concerning the rights and benefits of compatriots on both sides made by the New Party, which has done a lot to promote cross-Straits exchanges.

    The 30-member New Party delegation arrived in Beijing Sunday morning for the last leg of its four-city eight-day mainland visit, which bears the theme of commemorating the 60th anniversary of China's victory over the war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Beginning Wednesday, it has visited Guangzhou, Nanjingand Dalian.

    Yok Mu-ming, New Party Chairman, said his party has been working earnestly to improve and promote cross-Straits relations to live up to its responsibilities for the people and history.

    "We have named our visit 'a journey of the Chinese nation' because we want to tell people this: Both sides of the Taiwan Straits share the same root and compatriots of both sides are of one family. They should restart reconciliation and seek a win-win road in the 21st century and join hands to rejuvenate the Chinese nation," Yok said.

    The two sides exchanged views on a wide rage of issues, including agricultural cooperation and sale of Taiwan fruits on the mainland. Enditem