Top political advisor stresses jointly guarding Taiwan Strait peace, advancing reunification

XIAMEN -- China's top political advisor Wang Huning on Sunday emphasized the importance of staying resolute in safeguarding peace across the Taiwan Strait and working together to promote national reunification.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks at the 17th Straits Forum held in East China's Fujian province.

Wang noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the recovery of Taiwan -- a shared national memory for people on both sides of the Strait. He stressed that the fruits of that victory must be preserved.

Both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China, he said, emphasizing the importance of upholding the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus. He called for resolutely opposing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference to jointly safeguard peace and stability of the Strait.

Wang underscored that the mainland will always provide staunch support for Taiwan compatriots and is firmly committed to deepening the integrated development of both sides of the Strait to give Taiwan compatriots a greater sense of gain, happiness and belonging.

Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, said that the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations is a shared aspiration of people on both sides.

Ma expressed hope that, based on the common political foundation of upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence," cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation will be strengthened.

Ahead of the conference, Wang met with guests from Taiwan who are attending the forum.

On Saturday, Wang paid a visit to an agricultural park in Xiamen that serves as a hub for Taiwan farmers to develop business.