CPC, KMT leaders meet on cross-strait ties

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In Beijing, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Hu Jintao, held talks on cross-strait relations with visiting Kuomintang Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung this afternoon. They agreed to further implement a deal on peaceful cross-Strait development reached four years ago.

Both sides will maintain their position opposing "Taiwan independence" and adhere to a 1992 consensus on the issue. Hu Jintao also offered to start talks on a cross-Strait economic cooperation agreement in the second half of this year. He says the mainland will continue focusing on economic cooperation with Taiwan.

And the top task now is to jointly combat the global economic downturn. Hu Jintao also mentioned Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly, saying it indicates Chinese can resolve issues by themselves concerning the island's participation in international institutions. Hu says it also demonstrates the mainland's sincerity in pushing forward cross-Straits relations.

The two leaders also agreed to enhance mutual trust and expand cultural and educational exchanges.