3rd Ld-Writethru: Top political advisor stresses 1992 Consensus, deepening exchanges

XIAMEN, June 12 (Xinhua) - Top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng stressed adherence to the political foundation of the 1992 Consensus to ensure the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties, and the maintenance of peace and stability, at the opening ceremony of the eighth Straits Forum in Xiamen Sunday.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said that as long as this political foundation is upheld, cross-Strait relations will enjoy a prosperous future, adding that secessionist activities seeking "Taiwan independence" must be firmly opposed and contained.

Yu said that he had met representatives from the mainland and Taiwan prior to the conference, and they commended the achievements made during the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, but expressed concern for the future.

Representatives strongly supported the maintenance and peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, peace and stability, Yu said, adding that it was the common wish of compatriots on the two sides.

During his speech, Yu also said the mainland highly valued proposals from Taiwan compatriots suggesting easier travel to and around the mainland, and it will put forward measures as soon as possible.

Yu also conveyed greetings from Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, to attendees of the forum, particularly compatriots from Taiwan.

Yu said expanded and improved people-to-people exchanges were needed to maintain the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties.

"The more complicated cross-Strait ties become, the more we need to deepen people-to-people exchanges," Yu said, proposing more activities for people from both sides. With continued efforts, Yu believes that cross-Strait people-to-people exchanges will become the "anchor" to ensure peaceful development of ties, as well as the "sails" to drive compatriots across the Strait into a better future.

Meanwhile, stressing the role of the younger generation, Yu expressed hope that they could become good friends who understand each other and build careers together, as well as emerge as the driving force to propel and maintain the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties.

Working toward the goals of peaceful development of cross-Strait ties also needs firm faith and engagement of compatriots from both the mainland and Taiwan, Yu said. As long as they unite in the endeavor, "there is no insurmountable mountain for cross-Strait relations."

The mainland will continue to improve its policies to facilitate Taiwan compatriots to work and live on the mainland, Yu said.

The mainland will also support mainland-based Taiwan businesses in restructuring and in participating in the "Belt and Road" initiative, as well as promote integrated development of industries from the two sides, according to Yu's speech.

Moreover, the mainland will build more platforms for young people from Taiwan to study, work and start up businesses here, Yu said, adding it will encourage cross-Strait scientific and technological research and development, and cross-Strait academic exchanges.

Jason Hu, vice chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT) Party, also attended the forum, and voiced his hope that cross-Strait people-to-people exchanges be strengthened. Endi