The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Friday sent a congratulatory message to the Kuomintang (KMT) Central Committee and its new Chairman Ma Ying-jeou on the opening of the KMT's 17th Party Congress.

Ma took over the helm of Taiwan's KMT from outgoing party leader Lien Chan, who has been named KMT honorary chairman. Ma, 55, was sworn in at the opening ceremony of the congress, receiving a party flag from his predecessor.

In the message, the CPC called for joint efforts with the KMT to uphold the "1992 Consensus," firmly oppose "Taiwan independence," maintain cross-Straits peace and create a mutually beneficial and win-win situation across the Taiwan Straits.

Hu Jintao, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, congratulated Lien yesterday for becoming honorary chairman of the KMT. He also spoke highly of Lien's great contribution to the development of cross-Straits relations.

Their meeting in Beijing on April 29 marked the first highest-level talks between the CPC and KMT in 60 years, ending the two parties' decades-old enmity.

"The historic step jointly taken by our two parties has been written into the history of the development of cross-Straits relations," Hu said in his message.

"It is my sincere wish to make joint efforts with you to promote the peaceful and steady development of cross-Straits relations and create a bright future for the Chinese nation," Hu concluded.

Speaking to party members and an island-wide television audience, Ma praised Lien for undertaking the historic visit to the mainland in April and pledged to continue his efforts for the development of cross-Straits relations.

He said Lien's mainland trip has helped ease cross-Straits tensions and create a new atmosphere for further developing ties in the future.

"I will do my best to carry on and push for Lien's policies," said Ma.

He also promised to push for direct transport links with the mainland, which the Democratic Progressive Party has resisted. "We will work to pull Taiwan and the mainland closer in politics, economy and culture step by step," he said. "This would do the best good to Taiwan."

Delivering a farewell speech, 69-year-old Lien told the 1,600-strong delegates to the congress that the meeting is of great significance and will usher in a new stage for the KMT.

He described his mainland visit as an important decision made for the interests of the Chinese nation and people.

(China Daily August 20, 2005)