Mainland committed to cross-strait exchanges: top political advisor

Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, addresses the 9th Straits Forum in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, June 18, 2017. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)

Top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng Sunday said the Chinese mainland remained committed to promoting people-to-people exchanges, and economic and social development across the Taiwan Strait despite new risks and challenges.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks when addressing the 9th Straits Forum held in Xiamen, Fujian Province.

Noting that the peaceful development of cross-strait relations had endured severe adversity since last year, Yu said the mainland would not change its commitment.

He said that the mainland had issued more than 20 policies that were conducive to the living, education and employment of Taiwan compatriots on the mainland.

Yu called on compatriots across the strait to overcome interferences by working together, saying that adherence to the political foundation of the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, and peaceful development of cross-strait relations are prerequisites of further integration.

"Taiwan independence" is the biggest threat to peace, stability and the fundamental interests of people across the strait, according to Yu.

"Compatriots across the strait should resolutely oppose various secession activities damaging the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation and safeguard the shared home of both sides," Yu said.

Echoing the theme of the forum, which focuses on promoting people-to-people exchanges and cross-strait integration, Yu called for upholding the notion that "both sides belong to one family," strengthening the spiritual bond between compatriots across the strait, and innovations in cross-strait exchanges.

"Higher levels of economic cooperation are also required in expanding the common interests of both sides," Yu said, adding that the mainland is willing to share development opportunities on the mainland with compatriots from Taiwan.

The mainland will also expand the social benefits in cross-strait economic cooperation to give people of both sides an enhanced "sense of gain," Yu said.

He called on compatriots of the two sides to have increased confidence in the Chinese culture and the nation, which would provide strong spiritual support to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Stressing that the rejuvenation is interrelated to the future of people on both sides and requires generations of hard work, Yu called on compatriots to shoulder responsibilities and make contributions.

Hung Hsiu-chu, chairperson of the Taiwan-based Kuomintang party, also attended Sunday's meeting, calling for pursuing peace and cooperation across the strait.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the opening of people-to-people communication across the strait, breaking barriers resulted from a civil war.