China Focus: Top political advisor stresses 1992 Consensus in cross-Strait relations

XIAMEN, June 17 -- Top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng has stressed adherence to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" as the key to ensuring the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks Saturday while meeting representatives attending the ongoing 9th Straits Forum.

The core of the 1992 Consensus is the one-China policy, which states that both the mainland and Taiwan belong to one and the same China. It explicitly sets out that the fundamental nature of relations across the Taiwan Strait is not state-to-state relationship.

After clarifying this, many issues between the two sides could be solved through consultation, said Yu.

By refusing to endorse the 1992 Consensus, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration has undermined the political foundation of the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, said Yu.

He called on the DPP to clarify the nature of cross-Strait relations and implement it through action.

"It is an issue that cannot be avoided," said Yu.

This year marks the 30th anniversary since the two sides resumed people-to-people communication across the Strait, but currently the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations has been severely threatened, according to Yu.

"We need to enhance people-to-people communication and promote grassroots exchanges, particularly among the youth, so as to boost mutual understanding and bring our hearts closer," said Yu.

Identifying the two sides of the Taiwan Strait as a community of shared future, Yu called for efforts in deepening cross-Strait economic and social integration.

He also noted that mainland authorities are introducing a series of favorable policies for Taiwan compatriots to promote the integration.

Attendees from Taiwan, including Hung Hsiu-chu, chairperson of the Taiwan-based Kuomintang (KMT) party, highlighted the role of the forum against the background of DPP's damage to the foundation of the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and pledged to continue people-to-people exchanges and economic cooperation.

Before the meeting, Yu attended a group wedding for 50 cross-Strait couples and extended his blessing.