Mainland official meets with former leader of Taiwan's legislature

Song Tao, the mainland's senior Taiwan affairs official, on Monday met with Wang Jin-pyng, former leader of Taiwan region's legislature in Xiamen City, southeast China's Fujian Province.

Wang is currently on a visit to the mainland until Thursday to pay respects to his ancestors and participate in cross-Straits exchanges.

During the meeting, Song, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, pledged further efforts to uphold the one-China principle, firmly oppose separatist activities seeking "Taiwan independence," advance national reunification, and jointly achieve national rejuvenation.

In his remarks, Wang urged efforts to promote cross-Straits cultural exchanges, jointly carry forward Chinese culture, enhance the national identity and cultural identity among compatriots, and further maintain peace across the Straits.

During his visit to the village of Baijiao in Zhangzhou in southeast China's Fujian Province, Wang said he is willing to work with his compatriots on the mainland to achieve sustainable development and help the people of the Chinese nation live happy, safe lives.

One of Wang's Baijiao ancestors is believed to have been part of an expedition led by Zheng Chenggong to recover Taiwan in the 1660s and to have then settled on the island.

Wang had previously visited Baijiao to worship his ancestors in 2019, accompanied by his immediate family and relatives.