Chinese Mainland, Taiwan's KMT to boost cross-strait exchanges

The Chinese mainland will work with Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) party to enhance cross-Strait exchanges and oppose foreign interference in Taiwan affairs, Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said Wednesday.

Song made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation led by Hsia Li-yan, vice chairman of the KMT, in Jiangxi province.

Song stated that the mainland will continue to improve systems and policies to promote integrated development across the Taiwan Strait, creating broader opportunities for Taiwan compatriots to participate in building a strong nation and achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

He expressed willingness to work with the KMT on the basis of upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" to advance the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, benefit people on both sides, and promote national reunification.

Hsia said that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to the Chinese nation and that being Taiwan people and being proud to be Chinese are fully compatible.

He added that the KMT is willing to uphold the 1992 Consensus and oppose "Taiwan independence" as a common political foundation to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, promote cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, and encourage positive developments in cross-Strait relations.