CPC, KMT officials urge joint efforts for peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, national rejuvenation

A think tank forum between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party opened in Beijing on Tuesday, with both sides calling for joint efforts to promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and realize national rejuvenation.

The forum centered on the prospects for cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, featuring in-depth discussions on cross-Strait cooperation in key areas including tourism, industry, environment and sustainable development.

Representatives from both sides delivered keynote speeches at the opening ceremony, offering proposals aimed at overcoming barriers and deepening communication and cooperation across the Strait.

"Both the CPC and the KMT shoulder an indispensable responsibility in promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and safeguarding the common home of the Chinese nation. We should draw experiences and wisdom from the development history of the two parties and cross-Strait relations, seize opportunities to create the future, and make joint efforts to achieve national rejuvenation. Guided by the will of the people, we must unswervingly adhere to the 1992 Consensus, oppose Taiwan secessionism, steer the direction of cross-strait relations, and advance the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations," said Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

In his address, KMT Vice Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen noted that cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation align with the common interests of people on both sides. He described the forum as a vital platform to voice public concerns and enhance people's welfare.

"The genuine sentiment of the people in Taiwan is reflected not only in their desire for better understanding and practical contact with the mainland but also in their hope for maintaining communication channels between the two sides. I sincerely hope that both sides will prioritize the well-being of the people, adhere to the 1992 Consensus, oppose Taiwan secessionism, seek common ground while setting aside differences, lay aside disputes, and work together for win-win outcomes. Both sides should work together to pursue peaceful development, achieve harmonious integration, and joint hands for national rejuvenation," said Hsiao.

Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi paid a visit to a section of the Great Wall in Beijing on Monday as part of his ongoing state visit to China.

Orsi arrived in the Chinese capital on Sunday to begin a week-long state visit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Video footage showed Orsi posing for photos with tourists while climbing a stretch of the Great Wall on Monday morning.

The Uruguayan president later visited another Beijing landmark when he stopped by the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, on the same day.

Orsi held talks with President Xi in the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday, with the two countries vowing to deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields.