The Chinese mainland and Taiwan are holding the largest-yet unofficial cross-straits forum in Xiamen. The eastern coastal city used to be the frontline of Communist-Kuomintang rivalry decades ago.

An occasion for cross-Straits celebration.

Earlier, the country's top political advisor Jia Qinglin, declared the opening of the forum.

And the director of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, Wang Yi, noted the significance of the mass gathering of "brothers and sisters" from the two sides.

Vice chairman of Taiwan's ruling Kuomintang Party, Chu Li-lun said closer relations between the people have made the Straits "shallower and narrower."

Chu Li-lun, Vice Chairman of Kuomintang Party, said, "Through our efforts, including exchanges in cross-Straits forum, we will be nearer and remove our misunderstandings. I believe that the economy, trade, culture and education on both sides of the Taiwan Straits will develop rapidly."

The week-long forum is co-hosted by Xiamen and three other cities in Fujian: Fuzhou, Quanzhou and Putian.

More than 8,000 Taiwan guests have arrived for the forum. Over a dozen activities, including a centerpiece conference, a trade fair, a cultural week, and a tourism forum will share the spotlight in the days to come.

(CCTV May 18, 2009)