Hu, Ma vow to push up cross-Straits ties

TAIPEI: Hu Jintao, head of the Communist Party of China (CPC), sent newly-elected Kuomintang (KMT) chairman Ma Ying-jeou a congratulatory message yesterday, applauding his election as ruling party chief.

The KMT elected Ma as chief on Sunday, giving him more control of the island's cross-Straits policy at a time when ties are warming.

"I hope our two parties can continue to promote peaceful cross-Straits development, deepen mutual trust, bring greater welfare to compatriots on both sides and create a great revival of the Chinese nation," said Hu, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, in the telegram.