Top political adviser Wang Huning said the mainland will firmly maintain the initiative in steering relations across the Taiwan Strait and ensure that compatriots on both sides share the opportunities of Chinese modernization.

Wang made the remarks while addressing a work conference on Taiwan affairs held in Beijing on Monday and Tuesday. He urged efforts to consolidate the mainland's initiative in cross-Strait relations, advance peaceful development, and promote national reunification.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, called for a strong sense of responsibility and mission in Taiwan-related work.

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He emphasized the importance of upholding the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, saying the mainland will resolutely combat "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, oppose external interference, and safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Wang also called for efforts to unite Taiwan compatriots and firmly support patriots on the island who advocate reunification.

He stressed the need to uphold the idea that "people on both sides of the Strait are one family," facilitate cross-Strait personnel exchanges, expand people-to-people and grassroots interactions, and support Taiwan residents, particularly young people, in studying, working and living on the mainland.

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In addition, Wang underscored the importance of jointly promoting and carrying forward Chinese culture across the Strait to foster closer emotional bonds between compatriots on both sides.

The mainland will continue to support the development of Taiwan businesses on the mainland, improve policies and measures benefiting Taiwan compatriots and enterprises, and deepen integrated cross-Strait development, Wang said, so that people on both sides can share the opportunities and achievements of Chinese modernization.

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting.