Hu Jintao's keynote speech concerning Taiwan at the start of the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is well received by some delegates as a guideline of the Chinese mainland on cross-Straits relations over the next few years.

"Here we would like to make a solemn appeal: On the basis of the one-China principle, let us discuss a formal end to the state of hostility between the two sides, reach a peace agreement, construct a framework for peaceful development of cross-Straits relations, and thus usher in a new phase of peaceful development," Hu said.

Liu Guoshen, an expert on Taiwan studies at Xiamen University in Fujian Province, said that the report has made an objective judgment on current cross-Straits relationship. "This is another call for peaceful dialogue across the Straits and shows the mainland side's utmost sincerity to resolve the Taiwan issue in a peaceful manner," he said.

Delegate Ye Xiaowen to the Party congress said that Hu's remarks emphasized the discretion of the Taiwanese, safeguarded China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stood as a warning toward secessionists.

Hu Yafang, a delegate from Taiwan, said that the CPC has expressed utmost sincerity toward the Taiwanese. "History proves that the Chinese Communist Party is true to its words. I hope the Taiwanese can be fully aware of this," she said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 16, 2007)