Jia Qinglin (2nd R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Lien Chan (2nd L), honorary chairman of the Kuomintang, in Beijing, China, July 27, 2009. (Xinhua/Liu Jiansheng) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Mutual trust based on opposition to "Taiwan independence" and adherence to 1992 consensus was the driving force for progress in relations between the mainland and Taiwan, Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said Monday.

    Jia said during his meeting with Kuomintang (KMT) honorary chairman, Lien Chan, that political trust between the two sides was an "important basis" and "right direction" for cross-Straits relations.

    Jia said further progress in relations need joint efforts from the Communist Party of China and the KMT, and from both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

    Jia said that the common prospects for peaceful cross-Straits development, agreed by leaders of the CPC and KMT in 2005, had been implemented since and had brought substantial benefits to compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

Jia Qinglin (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Lien Chan (L), honorary chairman of the Kuomintang, in Beijing, China, July 27, 2009. (Xinhua/Liu Jiansheng) Photo Gallery>>>

    Pushing for the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations and realization of the "solidarity, harmony and prosperity" of the whole Chinese nation should be the common goal of both parties, both sides across the Taiwan Straits and compatriots from both sides, said Jia.

    Lien Chan said the two sides should advance the relations in all fields while enhancing economic and cultural exchanges.

    Both sides should work to help people in the mainland and Taiwan strengthen their sense of identity to the Chinese nation, Chinese culture and history, said Lien.

    "I believe history sides with the revival of the Chinese nation," Lien said.

    Lien arrived in Beijing Sunday and met with Wang Yi, director of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee, the same day.

    Relations across the Taiwan Straits had seen remarkable progress since May last year. Major progress included direct air, shipping and postal services.

Common culture important in cross-Straits relations: CPPCC chairman

    BEIJING, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The development of relations between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan need a "solid cultural hold" besides an economic basis, Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said Monday.

    Jia said in a meeting with a delegation of the Taiwan Matsu Followers Association (TMFA) that Matsu culture was a part of the Chinese culture and the shared wealth of people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits. Full story