Full coverage: Cross-Strait Peaceful Development Forum

A two-day Cross-Strait Peace Forum kicked off in Beijing Wednesday morning. The gathering focuses on peacefully developing relations between the mainland and Taiwan.

240 leading figures have come together at the event. Five discussion groups are covering politics, economy, culture, society, and youth.

It's the first time that political issues have been discussed at the forum. Many delegates said the relationship across the strait faces many challenges, and the forum is essential for increasing communication.

The head of State Council Taiwan Affairs Office reiterated at the forum that the 1992 Consensus is fundamental for peaceful development in the cross-strait relationship.

"I hope we at the forum can carefully look for good experience on how to strengthen mutual political trust and keep up the good communication of the past 8 years, so we can consolidate the 1992 consensus, protect the achievements that have been made in the cross-strait relationship, overcome any interference and move forward," said Zhang Zhijun, director of State Council Taiwan Affairs Office.