Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), invited Lien Chan, chairman of the Taiwan-based Chinese Kuomintang Party (KMT), and James Soong C.Y., chairman of People First Party (PFP), to lead delegations on mainland visits respectively in late April and mid-May this year, during which the three leaders had sincere and intensive exchanges of opinions on major issues concerning promotion of improvement and development of cross-Strait relations as well as matters on inter-party contacts.

This major action that broke the deadlock between the two sides of the Straits won high praises from public opinion at home and from overseas, opinion holding that this move displayed the broad mind and tolerant spirit of the leaders of the Chinese mainland, and concretely demonstrated the Chinese mainland's endeavors for a prospect of peaceful reunification with the utmost effort and the greatest sincerity, its positive, far-reaching impact on promoting a virtuous interaction of cross-Strait ties is evident for all to see.

The communication and interaction between the CPC and the KMT, and between the CPC and the PFP have broken the ice on the two sides of the Straits and smashed the political taboo set up by Taiwan authorities alleging that having contacts with the mainland is meant to "unite the Communist Party in betrayal of Taiwan".

For a period of time, the Taiwan authorities have been deliberately misleading the Taiwan public, inciting feelings of hostility toward the mainland and carrying out the so-called "de-China" secessionist act. Taiwan Island's mainstream popular feelings for "peace, exchange and development" was the inherent agent that prompted the mainland visits paid by Lien Chan and James Soong after surmounting all obstructions.

Precisely because of this, the Lee Teng-hui-headed faction with "Taiwan independence" as the basic decree became desperate and enraged, terrified and uneasy, the internal contradictions of the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces have sharpened, while the pan-blue camp has strengthened its confidence in seeking peace in the Taiwan Straits and developing cross-Strait relations.

The communication and interaction between the CPC and the KMT and between the CPC and the PFP have shown to the Taiwan public the Chinese mainland's sincerity and good intention for improving cross-Strait relations, and have effectively won the hearts of Taiwan people.

This time Lien Chan and James Soong were accorded grand reception and warm welcome wherever they went, this demonstrated the Chinese mainland's determination and sincerity to make utmost efforts for peaceful reunification, it also showed the mainland people's kindred feelings for Taiwan compatriots.

Through the mainland visits paid by Lien Chan and James Soong, Taiwan compatriots have come to see the achievements gained by the Chinese mainland in its development at tremendous pace, a new wave of "mainland fever" has therefore also been whipped up in Taiwan, and a mainstream popular intention stimulated in the Island for strengthening cross-Strait exchanges.

The communication and interaction between the CPC and the KMT, and between the CPC and the PFP indicate that the two sides of the Straits have embarked on a new course of dialogs through the platform for inter-party communication.

On the basis of recognizing the "1992 consensus" and opposing "Taiwan independence", the models for regular inter-party communication and exchange established between the CPC and the KMT or the PFP help strengthen understandings between the Chinese mainland and various parties, people's organizations and the public on the Island, eliminate misunderstanding, and enhance mutual trust, thereby further promoting the development of cross-Strait relations in the direction of virtuous interaction.

The communication and interaction between the CPC and the KMT, and between the CPC and the PFP have brought new opportunities for economic and trade relations between the two sides of the Straits.

The consensus reached between the CPC on the one hand and the KMT and PFP on the other hand has added new positive factors for boosting an all-round exchange between the two sides of the Straits. When the two delegations concluded in succession their visits, the Chinese mainland expressed a number of good wishes for Taiwan compatriots, namely, presenting to them a pair of pandas, initiating the project for mainland residents to tour to Taiwan, widening market access to fruits from Taiwan and giving consideration to the interests of Taiwan students, these measures have aroused extensive attention from the Taiwanese society, and have become a new driving force for impelling the development of cross-Strait relations.

The efforts made by the KMT and the PFP in expediting the development of cross-Strait economic and trading relations conform to the interests of the Taiwan people, bringing great popular-will pressure on the policy of Taiwan authorities that restricts cross-Strait economic and trading ties, and reducing the living space for the "urgent independence" forces.

The communication and interaction between the CPC and the KMT, and between the CPC and the PFP demonstrate to the world that Chinese on both sides of the Straits have wisdom and ability to solve cross-Strait differences and conflicts and to establish a new framework for peace, stability and development on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

The international community paid great attention to and spoke highly of the Lien-Soong mainland visits, thinking that the move has "activated a constructive process" and "opened a window of opportunity for peace on both sides of the Straits", and that it also embodied the good wishes of the CPC striving to realize reunification of the two sides by peaceful means, improved China's international image, helped ease the tense situation in the Taiwan Straits and will generate very positive influence on the region and the world as a hole.

A new situation has been opened for cross-Strait exchanges. Although the road ahead is not necessarily plain and smooth, we have every reason to expect that the seeds sown will take root, sprout and grow and weave a new world for cross-Strait relations.

The commentary is carried on page 4 of People's Daily June 20 and translated by People's Daily Online