Mainland hails Lien Chan's visit

Key Words: Hu Jintao, Xi Jinping, Lien Chan

Realted Reading:

Realted Reading:
>> Top Chinese political advisor meets KMT Honorary Chairman

>> Hu Jintao meets Lien Chan, urging further CPC-KMT cooperation

>> Peaceful cross-Strait relations in line with overall interests: Hu

>> Xi Jinping meets KMT honorary chairman

>> Lien Chan to visit mainland on Sunday

BEIJING, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing visit of Honorary Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Lien Chan has positive significance to mainland-Taiwan exchanges and high-level interaction, according to a mainland spokeswoman.

A new consensus between the two sides has been established during the visit, Fan Liqing, the spokeswoman for Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at a press conference Wednesday in Beijing.

Fan said that both sides fully recognized the major progresses gained in cross-Strait relations since 2008 and the shared belief in a promising future.

More consensus was reached on paraphrasing the framework of the "one China" principle, which would have significant and positive effects in further consolidating and deepening mutual political trust, said Fan.

The spokeswoman also noted that both sides had agreed in expanding exchanges and cooperation in economic, cultural and educational fields, while encouraging non-governmental think tanks on both sides to discuss political issues.

In addition, the blood bond between the mainland and Taiwan compatriots and the shared duty in realizing the "Chinese dream" -- the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation -- were also highlighted during Lien's meeting with mainland leaders.

Lien arrived in Beijing on Sunday and has met Xi Jinping, Hu Jintao and Jia Qinglin, respectively, in the last two days.

The visiting delegation headed by Lien consists of representatives from a wide range of sectors on the island, including business, education,cultural and religious circles.