Key cross-Straits forum opens in S China

NANNING - The 9th Cross-Straits Economic, Trade and Culture Forum, a key platform for comprehensive communication between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, kicked off Saturday in Nanning, capital of South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

Yu Zhengsheng, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and Kuomintang (KMT) honorary chairman Wu Poh-hsiung delivered speeches at the opening ceremony.

Yu proposed at the opening ceremony that the two sides should jointly reinvigorate the Chinese nation by deepening cross-Straits economic, technological, cultural and educational cooperation.

He said the forum has played an irreplaceable role in promoting the peaceful development of mainland-Taiwan ties.

Wu also proposed comprehensive cooperation between the two sides to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Peaceful cross-Straits relations are at their best since a half century ago and are most recognized by the international community, said Wu.

Wu said that in the past five years the two sides have made great strides in advancing cross-Straits ties through economic and political communications.

The forum was established by the KMT and CPC leaders in 2006 and has opened its doors to not only members of the two parties but also to other political groups on the island.

About 350 officials, scholars and representatives of various industries from both sides attended this year's forum.

Discussion and proposals initiated at the forum often provide an important reference for policymaking by the two sides.