HONOLULU - Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, met on Friday with Lien Chan, honorary chairman of the Kuomintang, and both reaffirmed the "1992 Consensus" as the foundation for peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.

The two met on the sidelines of the 19th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation economic leaders' meeting. Lien came as the envoy of the Chinese Taipei economy, which is also a member economy of the APEC group. 

Hu said the situation across the Taiwan Straits has experienced "major and positive changes" over the past three years due to efforts made by both sides, and new prospects for peaceful relations have been opened.

"It is a proven fact that the peaceful development of cross-Straits ties is in line with the common aspirations of the people on both sides of the Straits, and serves the interests of all Chinese," Hu said.

Hu urged both sides to firmly grasp the theme of peaceful development of cross-Straits ties, consolidate the common political foundation for opposing "Taiwan independence" and recognizing the "1992 Consensus".

That consensus, reached by non-governmental groups from both sides under official authorization, is an objective reality, said Hu, adding that the soul of the agreement is to seek common ground while reserving differences.

Hu said recognizing the "1992 Consensus" is essential for cross-Straits dialogues and the major foundation for peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.

Echoing Hu, Lien said it has been a pleasure to see peaceful development of political ties, reciprocal trade arrangements and social interactions across the Straits in recent years.

On the same day, Hu also met in Hawaii with Donald Tsang, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of China, saying that the central government would not relax efforts on matters that benefit Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and the development of the mainland and Hong Kong.

During the half-hour meeting, Tsang briefed the president on the current situation of Hong Kong and his government's efforts in dealing with the ongoing global financial crisis, pushing economic development and improving the life of the residents.

Voicing his appreciation for the central government's support to Hong Kong, Tsang said the HKSAR government would continue to make efforts to safeguard the financial and economic stability in the region.

Hu said Hong Kong now sustains good momentum, with its economy developing fast and its society stable.

Beijing has been unwavering and consistent in supporting Hong Kong's economic prosperity and stability, said Hu, adding that Hong Kong's success also benefits development on the Chinese mainland.

Hu called on the Hong Kong government to closely follow up and ward off the impact of the global financial crisis, and also continue pushing to solve economic and social problems that concern Hong Kong residents, in a bid to preserve prosperity.

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