BEIJING, Nov. 2  -- Top political advisor Yu Zhengshengon Wednesday called on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to protect and improve the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks during a meeting with representatives who are in Beijing for a forum on the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, which began Wednesday.

Taiwan's new administration has not yet recognized the 1992 Consensus, and this poses "a grave challenge" to the cross-Strait relationship, Yu said.

It is hoped that this week's forum will help to unite the various forces across the Strait to maintain the hard-won peaceful cross-Strait relationship, Yu added.

During the meeting, Yu presented a three-point proposal on cross-Strait relations:

1) Adherence to the 1992 Consensus and opposition against "Taiwan independence";

2) Intensified efforts to boost welfare of compatriots on both sides;

3) Intensified efforts to enhance kinship between the compatriots across the Strait.

"The one-China principle is the core of the 1992 Consensus, which, in turn, is the common political foundation for cross-Strait exchanges, interaction, communication and consultation," Yu said.

The hard-won consensus needs to be treasured and safeguarded by both sides across the Strait, he said.

"We resolutely oppose 'Taiwan independence' in any form, and we will firmly protect our national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Yu stressed.

The top political advisor vowed to continue to push forward cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation in various fields and take measures to ensure the rights and interests of Taiwan compatriots.

Yu suggested that cultural and educational exchanges should continue to be improved, as well as interactions between compatriots from both sides.

The mainland will continue to roll out measures to support residents of Taiwan interested in studying, working, starting businesses or living on the mainland, Yu said.

Jointly hosted by 20 non-governmental groups from the mainland and Taiwan, the two-day forum was attended by more than 200 delegates from across the Strait, to discuss topics concerning politics, economy, culture, society and youth.