CHINA> Taiwan, HK, Macao
Hu, Ma vow to push up cross-Straits ties
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-07-28 07:42

TAIPEI: Hu Jintao, head of the Communist Party of China (CPC), sent newly-elected Kuomintang (KMT) chairman Ma Ying-jeou a congratulatory message Monday, 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.

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Ma was elected the island's leader in May 2008 on a pledge to open more trade channels with the mainland. The two sides have signed landmark trade and transit deals since then but have avoided political issues.

Ma's election and Hu's subsequent telegram helped boost Taiwan stocks, which rose 0.79 percent yesterday to end above 7,000 points for the first time in 11 months.

Ma yesterday agreed with Hu and suggested they "put aside disputes" to promote cross-Straits peace and stability.

"We should continue efforts to consolidate peace in the Taiwan Straits and rebuild regional stability," Ma said.

Cross-Straits relations "have been moving on the track of peace, development and prosperity".

Hu and Ma previously exchanged telegrams directly once in 2005, when Ma was elected opposition chairman.

China Daily - AP