Premier on cross-Straits relationship

Premier Wen Jiabao meets both Chinese and foreign reporters after the closing ceremony of the annual session of the National People's Congress in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 14, 2012.

Q: In the past four years, the mainland and Taiwan have established unprecedented level of connection. Some say that the cross-Straits relationship in the past four years has been the most stable and peaceful of the past 60 years.

What is your prospect on the cross-Straits ties in 2012?

You told the story of the painting "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" before. The painting that has been apart for many years was on display in Taipei in June last year, how did you feel about that?

Will you visit Taiwan next year after you retire?

A:I'm very happy to see the cross-Straits ties becoming closer over the years. The 1992 Consensus have seen more solid foundation in terms of politics, economy and culture. The support from people has also become stronger.

To promote peace and development across the Straits especially to promote the business ties, we need to advance the follow-up negotiation of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement.

We will pay attention to the small- and medium-sized enterprises in Taiwan, as well as the grass-root people, especially those in the central and southern part of Taiwan.

We will also advance cross-Straits financial cooperation including the bank clearing system and mutual investment.

We will pay special attention to Taiwan-invested enterprises on the mainland by helping them upgrade development patterns and expand on the domestic market.

The display of the painting "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" shows great cohesion of Chinese culture. I sincerely hope the cultural and people-to-people contacts will be increased further across the Straits.

I would love to visit Taiwan if conditions permit. I will ask you to convey my greetings to people in Taiwan. We believe, unity and revitalization of the nation will be one day achieved through united efforts of all Chinese people and that will be our great pride.