KMT delegation visits Shanghai

cctv.com 05-02-2005 12:01

Shanghai is the last stop for the Taiwan opposition party leader after visits to Nanjing, Beijing and Xi'an.

A chilly drizzle shrouded Shanghai's Pudong International Airport when Lien's plane landed on Sunday afternoon. But the bad weather failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the welcoming crowds. Local Communist Party of China officials, Shanghai-based Taiwan business representatives and journalists from both sides of the Straits were there to greet the 60-member delegation. Declining to take an umbrella, Lien greeted the crowds with words of thanks.

Lien Chan said: "I have not been in Shanghai since I left 59 years ago. There is much for me to see and learn here. I'm eager to take this opportunity to learn more about the contributions of Taiwan businesspeople who invest and live in the Yangtze River Delta region. "

Later on Sunday evening, Lien met the Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal CPC Committee, Chen Liangyu, who welcomed him to the city with a dinner reception. The secretary described Lien's visit as a "great event" in the development of cross-Straits relations. He said the Kuomintang delegation's visit will definitely promote exchanges and cooperation between Shanghai and Taiwan, adding that this would be conducive to the peaceful and stable development of cross-Straits relations. In reply, Lien said relations across the Taiwan Straits are an issue of great importance not just to the region, but also to the whole world. He said his party has been working to establish mutually beneficial coexistence and a win-win relationship across the Straits.

After the dinner, there was still one more stop for Lien before the day's end. The local government had organized a special treat, hosting the delegation on a nighttime tour of the Huangpu River. The Kuomintang leader said he was astonished to see Shanghai's rapid development and was impressed by the city's vitality.

Lien Chan arrived in Shanghai from Xi'an. Before leaving the ancient city in Shaanxi Province, Lien and his family paid homage at his grandmother's tomb in the Qingliang Temple. A traditional Chinese ritual was held, including Buddhist memorial music, incense burning, kowtows and offerings. Having left the mainland six decades ago, this is the first time Lien has been able to visit the tomb, and he said he and his family would treasure the moment forever.

Editor:Wang Ping  Source:CCTV.com