Top political advisor calls for closer cross-Strait ties

Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, delivers a speech at the 2017 Zijinshan Summit for Entrepreneurs across the Taiwan Strait in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 6, 2017. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

China's top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng said Monday that relations across the Taiwan Strait should move forward in full accordance with the direction of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks in a speech delivered at the 2017 Zijinshan Summit for Entrepreneurs across the Taiwan Strait being held in Nanjing, capital of eastern China's Jiangsu Province.

Yu said the 19th CPC National Congress provided guiding thoughts, major tasks and key measures in handling cross-Strait affairs, charting the course for the development of relations between the two sides.

"Cross-Strait relations will have new opportunities and room for development in the new era, but challenges will remain," Yu said."We will continue to work for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and advance the process toward the peaceful reunification of China."

"We always uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus," Yu said."The 1992 Consensus embodies the one-China principle and defines the fundamental nature of cross-Strait relations. It is key to ensuring the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations."

He also said that the mainland resolutely opposed separatist attempts for"Taiwan independence" in any form.

Yu suggested entrepreneurs from both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan"seize the opportunity of the mainland's rapid development to explore broader areas for economic cooperation, and shoulder responsibilities for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations."

He proposed more cooperation based on innovation and encouraged more small and medium-sized firms as well as grassroots and young people to participate in cross-Strait economic cooperation.

The summit was first held in 2008. From 2013, when the mainland and Taiwan both set up councils dedicated to business exchange and cooperation, it was agreed that it should be held every year.