China’s Xi proposes equal consultations on cross-Strait political differences

BEIJING – China’s President, Xi Jinping in a meeting with the Kuomintang’s Honorary Chairman, Lien Chan, has saidhe is willing to hold cross-Strait consultations on political differences on an equal basis under the One-China principle. Lien said reconciliatory dialogues between the CPC and the Kuomintang in 2005 had led to peaceful development across the Strait, adding that both sides had embarked on the right course, which should not, and cannot, be reversed.

Xi said some problems concerning cross-Strait relations cannot be resolved immediately due to historical and practical reasons. However, people from both sides of the Strait are of one family and share the same blood, culture and aspiration, he added.

Lien’s arrival in Beijing comes shortly after a landmark meeting between Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs chief, Wang Yu-chi, and his mainland counterpart, Zhang Zhijun, last week in the first formal official meeting between the two sides since 1949.

Lien’s visit is likely to push forward a meeting between Xi and Ma Ying-jeou, Chairman of Taiwan's ruling Kuomintang, but due to the complexity of cross-Strait relations, it is uncertain whether a meeting will be able to take place this year.