Compatriots urged to boost cross-Straits exchanges

People on both sides of the Taiwan Straits are Chinese and can resolve their domestic affairs through consultation, but no external interference should be allowed, said Song Tao, a senior Taiwan affairs official, at a farewell dinner in Shanghai on Thursday for Ma Ying-jeou.

Separatist acts seeking "Taiwan independence" must never be tolerated, and colluding with external forces to pursue "independence" is doomed to fail, said Song, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

Ma, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, led a group of young people from Taiwan for a 12-day trip, which ends on Friday, to the Chinese mainland. The trip included a visit to Ma's ancestral home and exchange activities between young people of both sides.

Song said that Ma's visit is of significance to strengthening exchanges between compatriots on both sides of the Straits and promoting the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.

"The mainland will create conditions to facilitate more cross-Straits exchanges," Song said.

He also said that compatriots on both sides of the Straits should adhere to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, join hands to create benefits for the Chinese nation and share in the glory of its great rejuvenation.

Ma said that through the visit, he deeply understands that the two sides should cherish the 1992 Consensus and resume exchanges on this common political basis, avoid war and seek peace.

During his last stop in Shanghai, Ma and his delegation visited Yangshan Port as well as a city management center in the Pudong New Area, the Sihang Warehouse Battle Memorial, the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center and Fudan University.

While meeting on Wednesday with Chen Jining, Party secretary of Shanghai, Ma said he will firmly adhere to the 1992 Consensus and deepen cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation.

Chen spoke highly of Ma's efforts in upholding the 1992 Consensus, opposing "Taiwan independence" and promoting cross-Straits exchanges. Ma's return to his hometown to honor his ancestors has fully reflected the national tradition, Chen said.