Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, yesterday called for creating a new situation for peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.

He urged Taiwan to work with the mainland based on such principles as building mutual trust, putting aside disputes and seeking consensus to create a win-win situation.

He also called for substantial efforts for the welfare of Chinese compatriots on both sides.

Hu made the remarks at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse during a meeting with Lien Chan, honorary chairman of the Kuomintang Party (KMT), who is on his fourth trip to the mainland since his historic "ice-breaking" visit in 2005.

Positive changes have taken place in Taiwan and the cross-Straits relationship has witnessed sound development, Hu said; and thanked Lien for bringing a sculpture as a gift to the Beijing Olympics.

Hu recalled his first meeting with Lien three years ago, the first official summit between the CPC and the KMT in the past six decades.

At that summit, the two parties agreed on common aspirations for the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations, which laid the political foundation for cooperation.

Hu called for an early resumption of cross-Straits talks on the basis of the "1992 Consensus" to resolve problems and seek peace across the Straits.

"The Chinese nation will realize a bright future in its great rejuvenation, bringing common glory for the compatriots on both sides," Hu said. The compatriots share the same destiny and belong to the same big family of the Chinese nation, he added.

Lien said the principles adopted at the summit in 2005 were "of epoch-making importance" and have since been the guidelines for the peaceful development of relations.

The welfare of the compatriots on both sides must be built upon the peaceful development of relations, he said.

Lien called for joint efforts to increase exchanges and cooperation in the fields of the economy, culture, education and social security.

Lien yesterday also attended a ceremony in Beijing for the installation of the sculpture for the Olympic Games.

Lien and his wife, Lien Fang-yu, witnessed the installation of an 8-m-tall sculpture in the Olympic Park near the National Stadium, or Bird's Nest.

"The Beijing Olympic Games will be a brilliant and successful international sports gathering and this sculpture will be a witness," said Lien.

Lien and his wife, along with Taiwan businessmen, arrived in Beijing on Monday afternoon for a trip described as "private".

Xinhua

(China Daily 04/30/2008 page1)