Lien Chan to participate in cross-Straits forum

    The Kuomingtang Honorary Chairman Lien Chan will participate in a forum on economic and trade affairs in Beijing, said Li.

    The Communist Party of China (CPC) and the KMT agreed here on March 22 that a forum on economic and trade affairs between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan will be held in Beijing from April 14 to 15.

    A reporter said at the regular conference that Lien mentioned he would go back to his hometown to sweep his ancestral tomb in spring during an interview with Hong Kong media in January.

    The reporter asked whether Lien will go back to his hometown and sweep his ancestral tomb and what the mainland will do.

    If Lien Chan wishes to go back to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors, the mainland will try to help him fulfil his wish, Li said.

    Interference in cross-Straits economic co-op unpopular

    Any restriction on or interference in cross-Straits economic cooperation against laws of the economy and out of political purposes is unpopular, Li said.

    "Such restrictions and interventions will impair Taiwan's economy and the immediate interests of Taiwan people, which is clearly showed in the opposition to and criticism of the Taiwan authorities by public opinion and industry and commerce circles," said Li.

    Li made the remarks in response to a question on Taiwan authorities' recent plan to restrict cross-Straits economic cooperation.

    "We have noticed the related reports," he said, stressing, "To strengthen cross-Straits economic cooperation conforms to the common aspiration and fundamental interests of people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, which is our consistent stance and we'll take measures for its further promotion."

    "Taiwan' current economic development is inseparable from cross-Straits trade and economic cooperation," he added. Enditem