The biggest obstacle to developing relations across the Taiwan Straits is "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces and their activities, said General Secretary Hu Jintao of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Thursday.

The obstacle must be removed first for the sake of promoting common development and prosperity across the Straits as it hinders cross-Straits relations and endangers peace and stability in the region, he said during talks with visiting People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong in the Great Hall of the People.

"Checking 'Taiwan independence' forces and their activities is vital to the fundamental interests of the compatriots and to the future across the Straits," he said.

With the recent emerging of some new positive factors in checking "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities, there comes certain sign of easing tensions across the Straits, said Hu.

However, Hu emphasized it is still an arduous and complicated task to combat "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces and their activities.

"It remains the common task of compatriots across the Straits to firmly check 'Taiwan independence' and safeguard cross-Straits peace," said Hu.

(Xinhua News Agency May 12, 2005)