The Kuomintang (KMT) party of China hopes their small step today will become a giant step forward for the development of cross-Strait relationship to bring about more peaceful messages, said a spokesperson of the KMT Tuesday.

At the press conference held in the capital city of east China's Jiangsu Province, the spokeswoman said the KMT hoped that the mainland and Taiwan people can come to realize that a mutually beneficial, peaceful way for a win-win situation are available for the two through the delegation's visit.

She also thanked hospitality of the mainland people on the first day of their April 26 to May 3 mainland visit. The KMT delegation headed by KMT chairman Lien Chan will also visit Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai.

Another spokesperson said at the press conference that Lien Chan is thankful to James C. Y. Soong, chairman of People First Party, who saw off Lien at the Taipei airport Tuesday morning.

The spokesperson said as Soong will visit the mainland in a short time, the KMT party believes that his visit will be positive in promoting cross-Strait exchange and mutual understanding.

The KMT delegation came to the mainland at the invitation of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and its General Secretary Hu Jintao.

(Xinhua News Agency April 27, 2005)