China's top political adviser, Yu Zhengsheng, has reiterated the importance of the 1992 Consensus in cross-Straits relations and encouraged people-to-people communications between the two sides.
Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks in a meeting with delegates to the 9th Straits Forum on Saturday.
Upholding the 1992 Consensus and fighting against Taiwan independence are the keys in sticking to the correct direction for developing peaceful cross-Straits relations, Yu said.
"The core of the 1992 Consensus is the one-China principle, which recognizes that the mainland and Taiwan are both part of China. Cross-Straits relations are not the relations between two countries. With this issue being clarified, many problems between the two sides could be addressed through consultation," Yu said.
"More people-to-people communications, especially among young people, should be strengthened to enhance understanding and bring the ties closer," he said.
Hung Hsiu-chu, chairwoman of the Taiwan-based Kuomintang was present at the meeting.
She said it is of great importance to open the 9th Straits Forum under the circumstances that the cross-Straits relations are facing a period of depression.
The forum has been highly regarded between the two peoples with the 1992 Consensus being the foundation for cross-Straits communications, she said, adding that people in Taiwan hope to step up economic cooperation with the mainland and to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative.
The 9th Straits Forum opened in Fujian province today and will last about a week.
The forum covers a variety of topics on cross-Straits relations and includes exhibitions in a number of areas, such as digital innovations. Composed of 21 major events, it focuses on youth exchanges and grassroots communications, as well as economic and trade communications. More than 8,000 delegates from Taiwan are expected to take part in the forum.
Starting in 2009, the Straits Forum became the largest platform for people-to-people exchanges between the two sides.
China announced and implemented on May 15 a policy allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline.
China and Georgia are set to waive visa requirements for travelers starting May 28.
