Mainland Taiwan affairs chief vows peaceful development

BEIJING, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, the Chinese mainland's Taiwan affairs chief, has vowed to strengthen the political, economic, cultural and social foundation for the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties.

He made the comments while attending the 15th Tecmall Forum on Thursday in Beijing.

Wang, director of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said this was in accordance with the guiding policy specified in the report of the 18th CPC National Congress.

Wang said the mainland will continue to strengthen the political foundation of opposing "Taiwan independence" and maintaining the "1992 Consensus."

He said efforts should be made to put people first and work for the benefit of compatriots on both sides of the Strait and to embrace the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation together with Taiwanese compatriots.

Also at the forum, entrusted by Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou, John Chiang, vice chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT) Party, extended the KMT Central Committee's congratulations on the 18th CPC National Congress.

He added that both sides and both Parties should maintain the "1992 Consensus" and promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

The 15th Tecmall Forum, also known as the 2012 Beijing Taiwan Product Fair, opened on Thursday in Beijing. It was jointly organized by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, the Beijing Municipal Government, Taipei World Trade Center and over 20 social groups from Taiwan.

Wang said, having been around since 1998, the forum has become one of the most important platforms for cross-Strait economic, scientific and technological exchanges.

He added that as the mainland transforms its growth pattern and strives to power economic growth through innovation, new cooperation opportunities are being presented to the mainland and Taiwan.

He called on both sides to join hands in standing up to the opportunities and challenges presented in the global scientific and technological revolution, work toward mutual benefit and raise the global prominence of the Chinese nation's products, enterprises and industries.

After the opening ceremony, the forum will be held in venues in both Beijing and Taiwan. Activities in Beijing include forums on the service industry, cultural and creative industry, agricultural cooperation and education innovation.

Activities will be held in several cities in Taiwan on Nov. 27.