Compatriots living on the two banks of the Taiwan Strait are brothers and sisters, who should treat one another on an equal ground and show respect to one another, says a mainland official in charge of cross-strait affairs in a People's Daily article on Wednesday.

Sun Yafu, deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), calls for more personnel, economic and cultural exchanges across the strait.

He urges compatriots of the two sides to consolidate, shoulder by should and hand in hand, to make joint efforts for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

In his article, Sincerely Working for the Welfare of the Compatriots of the Two Sides and Peace across the Taiwan Strait, the mainland official explains the guiding thinking and general demands for the Party's work on the cross-strait issue set by the recently-convened 17th CPC National Congress.

The mainland will adhere to the One-China Principle, firmly grasp the theme of Peace and Development in cross-strait affairs, sincerely working for the welfare of compatriots living on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait and seeking peace across the strait, he says.

The mainland will actively promote the great cause of reunification of the nation, firmly oppose secessionist activities by pro-independence elements, safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and protect the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, he adds.

In the near future, the cross-strait situation will be affected by a series of major events including the so-called "Referendum for Joining the United Nations" and election of the new leader of Taiwan, according to the official.

The results of these events, however, will not stop secessionist forces in Taiwan continuing their activities, some contractions in the cross-strait relations will stay, and some foreign forces will continue trying to block or even interfere in the process of China's reunification, he says.

The secessionist activities in Taiwan will certainly be defeated and destroyed, the official says, adding "It is nothing but a matter of time."

(Xinhua News Agency November 22, 2007)