New Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Ma Ying-jeou took over the reins of Taiwan's largest opposition party from his predecessor Lien Chan at the 17th Party Congress Friday. During his speech, Ma vowed to carry on and push for Lien's mainland policies.

He told party members and island-wide television audiences that the party "will work to pull Taiwan and the mainland closer in politics, economy and culture step by step" because "this would do the best good to Taiwan."

The overture, along with Ma's repeated pledges to improve cross-Straits ties since his election on July 16, served as a clear sign that the new KMT leadership will commit itself to building stronger links with the mainland.

Based on the new leader's rich experience in dealing with cross-Straits issues, the KMT under his leadership is expected to play a more positive role in developing cross-Straits ties for the benefit of people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

Cross-Straits relations have been strained by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which is hogtied by pro-independence ideology and has been hostile towards the mainland since coming to power in May 2000. The KMT, as one of the island's main opposition parties, is duty-bound to make its own efforts to promote peace and stability in the Straits, as has been hoped for by a majority of 23 million Taiwanese people.

As facts have shown, the KMT together with its alliance - the People First Party and New Party - have played, and can still play, a key role in easing cross-Straits tensions and developing closer cross-Straits exchanges.

Despite great political pressure and intense criticism from the DPP administration, the KMT managed to facilitate the successful operation of the historic non-stop cross-Straits charter flight programme for the Spring Festival holidays between January 29 and February 20. The party's efforts also contributed to the mainland's tariff-free imports of 15 varieties of Taiwan-grown fruits in August. All these achievements were hailed by the public, including the businessmen and farmers on the island .

Especially since Lien made a landmark visit to the mainland between late April and early May, the KMT has stood firmer than ever on its policy of striving for cross-Straits reconciliation and seeking better ties with the mainland. This far-sighted choice, which conforms to the common aspiration of most Taiwan people, has helped gain unprecedented support for the party.

The KMT and the Communist Party of China (CPC) share the goal of promoting peace, development and prosperity for people across the Straits and have agreed to join their efforts to oppose "Taiwan independence." Their exchanges and co-operation will be conducive to developing stable cross-Straits ties.

Besides the top-level exchanges between Lien and CPC chief Hu Jintao, the two parties have embarked on a project to establish a platform for regular exchanges, including mutual visits of party officials at various levels. The grass-root party-to-party exchanges will soon be conducted between 12 cities across the Straits late this month.

As Lien has said, such exchanges will not only mean communication, opinion-sharing and friendship-promotion among party cadres, but also boost cultural and trade ties across the Straits.

On the other hand, the exchanges will also offer Ma and his colleagues an opportunity to learn more about the CPC and the mainland. After all, the two parties need to deepen communication, further seek common ground while shelving differences and develop consensus on the way towards stronger co-operation.

Source: China Daily