Hu, Lien stress cross-Strait peace

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-28-2007 14:22

Hu Jintao (L), general secretary of the Communist Party of China enters the hall with Lien Chan, honorary chairman of Kuomintang and wife Lien Fangyu (R) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing April 28, 2007. About 300 Taiwan and 200 mainland businessmen and representatives are attending the Cross-Strait Economic and Trade Forum. [Reuters]

The third cross-Strait economic, trade and cultural forum is underway. China's top leader, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Hu Jintao has met with Kuomintang Honorary Chairman Lien Chan. Both expressed willingness to jointly promote peaceful cross-strait development.

China's top leader Hu Jintao says enhancing cross-Strait economic ties, culture exchanges and cooperation, and improving people's livelihood across the Straits is the final goal.

Hu Jintao said, "We hope from the bottom of our heart that compatriots across the straits promote personal exchanges and economic and cultural cooperation, prevent Taiwan secessionists' independence activities, keep the Taiwan Straits' peace and make our homeland a better place."

KMT honorary chairman Lien Chan proposed several ways of pushing forward cross-strait relations, with communication and dialogue foremost.

Lien Chan said, "Communication is the basic principle and the major drive Negotiations, but not confrontations, should be the bridge for cross-Straits ties. And the KMT will stick to its principle of promoting the development of the cross-straits ties to a new stage through dialogue."

About 500 participants from the mainland and Taiwan are attending the two-day forum. They will exchange ideas on issues including direct flights across the Taiwan Strait, cooperation in education and mainland citizens' travel to Taiwan.