CPC, KMT leaders meet on cross-strait ties

Video

Play VideoKMT chairman vows to continue efforts Play VideoCPC, KMT leaders meet on cross-strait ties

General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Hu Jintao, held talks on cross-strait relations with Kuomintang Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung in Beijing on Tuesday. They promised to kick-start talks on a cross-Straits economic co-operation pact and avoid "internal struggles" in foreign affairs.

This is the third meeting between Hu Jintao and Wu Poh-hsiung in less than a year. The focus is to further promote the development of cross-Strait ties.

President Hu said, "The development of relations over Straits in the past year has proved that this is welcomed by people on both sides. And it is an ongoing trend between the two sides. The peaceful relationship has stabilized the Taiwan Straits area, and will result in further peace, which is supported by the international community."

Hu Jintao proposed an increase in mutual political trust to push forward progress on a series of complex issues between the two sides. But he says it's essential they stick to the One-China principle.

Hu Jintao also says the mainland will continue to focus on economic cooperation with Taiwan. He says their top task is to combat the global economic downturn together. He offered to start talks on a cross-Strait economic cooperation agreement in the second half of this year.

Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly was also discussed.

Hu says the Chinese people can resolve issues by themselves concerning the island's participation in international institutions.

He said it also demonstrates the mainland's sincerity in pushing forward cross-Strait relations.