James CY Soong, newly reelected chairman of Taiwan’s People First Party (PFP), promised on Sunday that he would go on promoting cooperation with the Communist Party of China (CPC).

"I myself will lead the PFP to continue to devote every effort to promote peaceful and steady development across the Straits and actively push forward exchange and cooperation between the two parties so as to better the life of people on both sides and create a bright future for the Chinese nation," said Soong.

Soong made the remarks in a message of thanks he sent to Hu Jintao, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, for the congratulations the latter had extended on Soong’s reelection.

He also expressed thanks for the reception that Hu and his party gave him during his visit to the mainland in May and said his party will work to implement agreements made then to meet people’s expectations.

Soong won a 99.19 percent mandate on Friday to continue leading the PFP as an unopposed candidate in postal voting from June 22 to July 15.

(Xinhua News Agency July 25, 2005)