An official on Tuesday called for Chinese mainland and Taiwan journalists to create a favorable publicity environment for the peaceful development of the two sides.

Journalists across the Taiwan Straits should shoulder their responsibilities and give full play to the unique advantages and functions of media in the face of the "new situation" and "new opportunities," said Ye Kedong, vice director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. He made the remarks at the eighth cross-Straits broadcast seminar held in Beijing.

Journalists on both sides should act as "bridges" and "ties" to promote mutual understanding and enhance the relation between people across the Straits, he said.

Hu Zhanfan, deputy director of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, expected the radio media of both sides to further span areas of cooperation.

The stations should spare no effort to cooperate and share their mutually-complementary advantages, he said, adding they should forge closer ties to provide quality service for the upcoming Beijing Olympics for residents of both sides.

More than 90 professionals from 53 radio stations across the Taiwan Straits attended the seminar. It was hosted by China National Radio, the state broadcaster.

Initiated in 1995, the seminar has been held both in the mainland and Taiwan over the past 12 years. The last seminar was held in Taipei in 2006.

(Xinhua News Agency June 25, 2008)