Xi's remarks on cross-Straits ties inspire Taiwan business community

BEIJING -- A number of Taiwan business people based on the Chinese mainland said they felt warmth and were inspired by Xi Jinping's recent remarks on cross-Straits relations.

They have pledged to be more courageous in maintaining the peaceful development of cross-Straits ties and to promote integrated economic and social development on both sides of the Straits.

Xi, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has said that both sides across the Taiwan Straits are "community of shared destiny that cannot be prised apart."

Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory letter, made public on May 24, to the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland (ATIEM) on its 10th anniversary.

Economy on either side is an integral part of economy of the Chinese nation, he said in the letter.

"We are willing to share the mainland's development opportunities with Taiwan compatriots first, and welcome Taiwan compatriots to invest here," Xi said.

ATIEM Chairman Wang Ping-Sheng said the remarks were an inspiration and encouragement for Taiwan business people, noting that the hard-won peaceful development of cross-Straits ties was precious for compatriots on both sides and was closely related to Taiwan businesses.

He said the ATIEM would be more vigorous in acting as a bridge in cross-Straits economic and trade exchanges.

Lin Mingtian, a Taiwan businessman and chairman of a Nanjing-based company, said he had achieved his career goals on the mainland and suggested that other Taiwanese entrepreneurs grasp opportunities on the mainland.

He also said that Xi's letter had reassured the Taiwan business people on the mainland.

Ye Huide, executive vice chairman of ATIEM, said the economy across the Straits could only make progress with cross-Straits peace and that it mattered not only to businesses but all Taiwan people.