BEIJING - Economic integration will bring about mutual benefit and win-win results for the Chinese mainland and Taiwan and should not be disturbed, said top leader Xi Jinping.
Xi, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with Taiwan's People First Party (PFP) chairman James CY Soong on Wednesday morning at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
"based on the concept that both sides of the Taiwan Straits are of one family, there is no difficulty that cannot be overcome as long as each side feels for the other and treats the other with sincerity," Xi said.
"We'd like to know more about the practical needs of the Taiwan people, especially those at the grassroots, and take proactive and effective steps to take care of vulnerable groups," he said.
Xi noted that the policy to promote peaceful development of cross-Straits relations will not change, and neither will the pragmatic measures to boost exchanges, cooperation and mutual benefit.
"Our sincere enthusiasm to unite Taiwan compatriots for common endeavors will not wane, and the firm will to curb 'Taiwan independence' is unshakable," Xi said.
"We sincerely hope for a stable, economically developed Taiwan whose people live a peaceful and happy life," Xi said.
Xi called on compatriots from the two sides to enhance mutual trust as there is still much to do to boost peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.
"It will be easy to seek solutions to many difficult problems when there is mutual trust between compatriots (from both sides)," Xi said.
He called for extended contacts and communication between people from all walks of life on both sides to enhance understanding and bring them closer psychologically.
Both sides should create conditions for more exchanges between young people to help them see the peaceful development of cross-Straits ties and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, enabling them to shoulder the responsibility of realizing the dual tasks, he said.
During Wednesday's meeting, Xi spoke highly of Soong and the PFP's role in promoting development of cross-Straits ties.
Xi said he hoped the PFP can uphold the one-China principle and continue to oppose separatist attempts for "Taiwan independence."
Soong said the PFP has never wavered in its principle that the two sides belong to one China and its opposition to "Taiwan independence," adding that his party will make efforts to enhance exchanges and political mutual trust across the Straits.
Soong founded the PFP in March 2000 and has acted as chairman of the Party since then. He visited the mainland in 2005 and 2009.
