Liu Qi, secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), met and hosted a banquet Tuesday for visiting People First Party (PFP) Chairman James CY Soong and his delegation.

Liu, also a member of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, said that Soong's mainland visit marks significant progress in exchange and dialogue between the CPC and the PFP, which will actively improve the cross-straits relations, safeguard peace and stability in the cross-straits area and expand exchange and cooperation across the Taiwan Straits.

A historic city rich in cultural heritage, Beijing has become a modern metropolis full of vigor and vitality, especially since the mainland adopted the reform and opening-up policies over two decades ago, Liu said.

On prospect of Beijing-Taiwan relations, Liu said that with more exchanges between the people on both sides of the Straits, "the road of cooperation will become even wider".

He added that Beijing will continue to give top priority in protecting the legitimate rights of Taiwan business people and formulate relevant rules and regulations to create a favorable ambiance for Taiwan-related matters.

Soong, who arrived in Beijing Tuesday afternoon with his entourage, said that he was deeply impressed by the "stunning achievements" scored by this historic city, which is now busy preparing for the Olympic Games to be held in 2008.

Referring to improving the cross-Straits relations, Soong proposed two "ideas". "People on both sides of the Taiwan Straits are descendants of the Chinese nation." And "all of us agree that 'unification will be beneficial to both sides'."

In Beijing, Soong is scheduled to deliver a speech in Tsinghua University and meet General Secretary Hu Jintao of the CPC Central Committee.

Soong and his delegation are scheduled to conclude their nine-day mainland tour Friday.

(Xinhua News Agency May 10, 2005)