The general secretary of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping, has met with Lien Chan, the former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party based in Taiwan. Xi says people in Taiwan and the Chinese mainland should press ahead with peaceful development and reunification. Daniel Plafker has more.

The pursuit of a just cause and the common aspirations of the people are unstoppable. Those are the words of Xi Jinping during his meeting with Lien Chan at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Xi says compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait have never been separated from each other in terms of nationality, cultural identity and emotions. And despite the ups and downs of cross-strait relations over the decades, the overall trend is moving forward.

He stresses four points. He says both sides should stick to the 1992 consensus on the One China Principle and resolutely oppose and deter Taiwan independence. They should enhance communication and cooperation. No effort should be spared to benefit the people. And both sides should resolutely unite compatriots on the mainland and Taiwan to contribute to national rejuvenation.

Lien Chan says the current situation in the Taiwan Strait is unstable. He thinks the two sides should consolidate political mutual trust on the basis of the "1992 Consensus", restart dialogue, and deal with political differences left over from history. He also calls for expanded mutual benefit, brotherhood and integration through economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and non-governmental exchanges.