Chinese mainland calls for joint efforts with Taiwan to safeguard cross-Strait peace

The Chinese mainland on Wednesday called for joint efforts with Taiwan to seek common ground while reserving differences and jointly safeguarding cross-Strait peace.

Fan Liqing, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a news briefing in Beijing that the two sides should avoid highlighting differences and make efforts to prevent and properly solve possible problems.

Fan's remarks came in response to Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou's recent remarks on cross-Strait ties.

Ma told a press conference on May 19 that based on the 1992 Consensus, the island's authorities have improved cross-Strait relations during his three years as leader of Taiwan.

According to the 1992 Consensus, both sides of the Taiwan Strait adhere to the one-China principle.

Ma said better cross-Strait relations will offer more opportunities to future generations on both sides of the Strait.

Fan said the mainland had noticed Ma's above remarks. "The past three years prove that the peaceful cross-Strait relationship accords with interests of the whole nation, and brings concrete benefits for people across the Strait, especially Taiwan compatriots," she said.

The cross-Strait peace is widely supported by compatriots from both sides and also commonly welcomed by the international community, Fan noted.

Fan also told the press that the mainland and Taiwan are now negotiating on such topics as increasing direct flights, cooperation on nuclear power safety and allowing individuals from the mainland to travel to the island.

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