Xi, Chu stress shared destiny

Xi Jinping (R), general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu, May 4, 2015 in Beijing. This has been Chu's first visit to the mainland since he was elected KMT chairman in January. [Photo/CNS]

"Xi also vowed that greater efforts will be made to open up to Taiwan compatriots. This formal response relieves worries among compatriots that the era of Taiwan benefiting from the Chinese mainland is over," Ni said.

He said Xi's words will reassure investors and residents on Taiwan.

Xi said during the meeting that the CPC and the KMT should be brave when facing lingering political differences and difficulties, pool wisdom of compatriots on both sides and actively search for a solution.

"The two sides can consult with each other on an equal basis under the One China Principle and reach a reasonable arrangement," Xi said.

Chu said he hopes the two political parties will deepen cooperation in more areas including safeguarding regional peace, environmental protection and the economy, and provide more opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises and young people.

The meeting took place during Chu's first visit to the mainland since he was elected KMT chairman in January.

"Xi has delivered a message to the outside world that the Chinese mainland's basic policies toward Taiwan will not change, and the two parties are looking for a better deal to improve the livelihoods of people across the Straits," said Zhang Guanhua, deputy head of the Institute of Taiwan Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Zhu Songling, a Taiwan affairs professor at Beijing Union University, said: "Chu's words during the meeting signaled his strong intention to carry forward the consensuses that have been reached and to push for peaceful cross-Straits development."

Chen Xiancai, a Taiwan studies scholar at Xiamen University, said Chu's visit will boost the morale of his party and his own image.

Xinhua contributed to this story.