Politburo Standing Committee member Jia Qinglin has met with the honorary chairman of the Kuomingtang, Lien Chan, in Beijing. Jia says cross-strait relations have been developing on the right path.

Jia Qinglin spoke highly of Lien Chan's contributions to the development of cross-strait relations. He also noted that cross-strait relations are developing positively.

Jia Qinglin (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Lien Chan (L), honorary chairman of the Kuomintang, in Beijing, China, July 27, 2009. [Liu Jiansheng/Xinhua]

Jia says mutual trust based on opposition to "Taiwan independence" and adherence to the 1992 consensus have been the driving forces for progress in relations between the mainland and Taiwan.

Jia said, "Political trust between the two sides is an "important basis" and "right direction" for cross-Strait relations."

Jia Qinglin noted that General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Hu Jintao has said that mutual trust is very important. And that the key to mutual trust is strict adherence to the mainland and Taiwan belonging to one China. Jia also called on the two parties to continue their efforts to consolidate political guidelines, properly solve problems and continue pursuing healthy exchanges.

Meanwhile, Lien Chan said the peaceful development of cross-strait relations is facing a historic opportunity.

Lien Chan said, "After being elected as Kuomintang chairman, Ma Ying-jeou said he would continue to obtain the "common prospects for peaceful cross-strait development" agreed by the two parties' leaders in 2005. He also regarded the two parties' exchange platforms and the cross-strait economic, trade and culture forum as positive."

Lien Chan also said the two sides should advance relations in all fields, as well as enhance economic and cultural exchanges.

(CCTV July 28, 2009)