James C.Y. Soong, chairman of the People First Party (PFP) in Taiwan, arrived in Beijing with his delegation on Wednesday to attend the 2008 Olympic Games opening ceremony.

Wang Yi, director of the Taiwan Work Office of Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, welcomed him at the airport.

"It has been three years since my last visit. I am here to extend congratulations to the Beijing Olympics," Soong said.

He said the Beijing Olympics would reveal to the world not only the long and glorious history of China but also its bright future. "I wish all success to the Olympic Games, and hope that the two sides across the (Taiwan) Strait will make joint efforts to create a future of peaceful development."

Wang said Soong and his party had contributed much to the improved cross-Strait relationship. He believed the PFP would make new contributions together with other parties and personages from other circles to achieve the peaceful development of the cross-Strait relationship.

(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2008)