Keynotes conference held at Straits Forum

China's top political advisor has called for broad-based exchanges and cooperation between the mainland and Taiwan. Jia Qinglin made the remarks while addressing the first Straits Forum in the eastern coastal city of Xiamen.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese  People's Political Consultative Conference, addresses the Straits  Forum in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, May 17, 2009.  (Xinhua/Zhang Guojun)

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With this keynote conference, the week-long Straits Forum is now in full swing.

1,700 participants from both sides of the Straits were present. China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin was the first to speak. Greater cross-Straits cooperation and exchange is his top concern.