Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, yesterday pledged to resume cross-Straits dialogue at the earliest date.
"Communication and dialogue between the mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) and the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) on the basis of '1992 Consensus' should be resumed as soon as possible," Hu said while meeting Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung.
It was the first meeting between the two chiefs of the two parties and also the highest-level contact across the Straits in six decades.
Hu expressed hope that the two parties and both sides across the Straits make joint efforts to build mutual trust, set aside disputes, seek consensus and jointly create a win-win situation.
Priority should be given to starting weekend passenger charter flights and allowing mainland tourists to visit Taiwan after the talks resume, Hu said.
"The two issues can be realized within the shortest period of time as long as the two sides make joint efforts," Hu said.
On Taiwan's participation in international activities, Hu said the mainland understands the feelings of Taiwan people.
"After the two sides resume consultations, (we) can discuss the issue of (Taiwan's) participation in international activities ... including giving priority to discussing the issue of attending WHO activities," Hu said.
"We care for, respect and trust Taiwan compatriots. As for misunderstandings and doubts some Taiwan compatriots have on cross-Straits problems, we understand them and will also take positive measures to solve them," he said.
Hu said Wu's first visit to the mainland as the KMT chairman is a major event for relations between the CPC and the KMT, as well as for relations between the mainland and Taiwan.
He stressed the importance of building mutual trust on the basis of "opposing Taiwan independence" and adhering to the "1992 Consensus"; and called on the two parties to seize the current favorable trend and seek peace and prosperity for people on both sides of the Straits.
Questions:
1. How long has it been since talks of this level have occurred between the two sides?
2. This was Wu’s first visit to the Chinese mainland in what role?
3. Wu stressed building mutual trust on what basis?
Answers:
1. Six decades.
2. KMT Chairman.
3. Opposing Taiwan independence and the “1992 Consesus”.
（英语点津 Helen 编辑）
About the broadcaster:
Jonathan Stewart is a media and journalism expert from the United States with four years of experience as a writer and instructor. He accepted a foreign expert position with chinadaily.com.cn in June 2007 following the completion of his Master of Arts degree in International Relations and Comparative Politics.
