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Beijing Games honor for Chinese across Straits

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-08-09 23:42

BEIJING - The ongoing Beijing Olympic Games is an honor and pride for all Chinese people including those from Taiwan, China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin said on Saturday.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks while meeting with Kuomintang Honorary Chairman Lien Chan and other guests from Taiwan, who were here to attend Friday's opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games.

Jia said athletes from Taiwan were welcomed by enthusiastic audiences when they paraded into the National Stadium on Friday evening, which reflected the common bond between people from both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

"We enjoyed and shared a historic moment together last night," Jia said.

"It is a glory for all Chinese people, including those from Taiwan, to be able to boost the Olympics development and promote friendship among the global community at this Beijing Games," Jia added.

He urged compatriots on both sides of the Strait to work together in promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and and realize the revival of the Chinese nation.

Lien said the Olympics was an unprecedented event for the Chinese people, and he was thrilled to see athletes from both sides win medals on the first day of competition. He wished them good luck in the remaining events.

He hoped both sides would engage in further exchanges for peaceful development.

Chen Wei-Ling of the Chinese Taipei won the bronze medal in the women's 48kg weightlifting on Saturday. Chen Xiexia of the Chinese mainland claimed the gold medal in the same match.