Top political advisor stresses peaceful development of cross-Straits ties

BEIJING - China's top political advisor Wang Yang on Tuesday called for efforts to promote the peaceful development of cross-Straits ties and the process toward peaceful reunification of the motherland.

Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks at a conference on Taiwan affairs.

Wang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, reviewed the progress in handling Taiwan affairs for 2018.

Saying that the cross-Straits situation would be more complicated and severe in 2019, Wang stressed upholding the 1992 Consensus that embodies the one-China principle to promote the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.

He called for efforts to resolutely safeguard the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and leave no space for separatist activities for "Taiwan independence" in any form.

He noted that the integrated development across the Straits should be deepened, with exchanges and cooperation to be expanded and preferential policies for Taiwan compatriots to be fully implemented.

Efforts should be made to establish more exchange channels for young people from both sides, with an aim of providing youths from Taiwan with more opportunities and a better environment to study, find jobs, start businesses and conduct exchanges on the mainland, Wang said.