Top political advisor urges cross-Strait efforts for national rejuvenation

XIAMEN -- China's top political advisor Wang Huning on Saturday called on people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to strive for national rejuvenation and share the opportunities brought by Chinese modernization.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks while addressing the main conference of the 15th Straits Forum, held in Xiamen in eastern China's Fujian province.

He read out a congratulatory letter from Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, at the conference.

Noting that Xi places great importance on the Straits Forum, Wang called for continuous efforts to improve the forum, guided by Xi's instructions in the letter.

Wang noted that the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations is the right path for safeguarding cross-Strait peace and stability, and promoting common development. He expressed strong opposition to separatist activities seeking "Taiwan independence" and external interference.

Only by upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" can cross-Strait relations return to the right path of peaceful development, he said.

Andrew Hsia, vice chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, said at the conference that the KMT is committed to the political foundation of upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence," and will promote cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation, while working for cross-Strait peace and stability.

Prior to the conference, Wang met with representatives of the guests from Taiwan.