A senior leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Beijing extended an invitation on Thursday to Lien Chan, chairman of Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) party, to visit the mainland.

"As Chairman Lien has expressed his desire to visit, we welcome and invite him to do so at any time he thinks appropriate," said Jia Qinglin, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, during a meeting with visiting KMT Vice Chairman Chiang Pin-kung.

"In order to improve and develop cross-Straits relations, we would also like to invite the chairpersons of other political parties in Taiwan that accept the 1992 Consensus, oppose 'Taiwan Independence' and advocate the growth of cross-Straits relations," said Jia, also chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Chiang, who is heading the first KMT delegation to the Chinese mainland in 56 years, has been greeted with red carpets and massive media coverage. On Wednesday they visited the mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the revolutionary and founder of the KMT party.

Jia said that, on the 80th anniversary of Sun's death, such activities "are of great significance for upholding and carrying forward the spirit of maintaining national unity and combating secession, which was advocated by Dr. Sun himself."

The preliminary agreement reached by the delegation and mainland officials on air flights, agricultural cooperation and other issues will play a positive, significant role for developing cross-Straits economic ties, he added.

Through concerted efforts by compatriots on both sides, new positive factors have emerged that will help "contain secessionist activities," Jia said, including evidence of some relaxation in tensions.

"But the struggle against 'Taiwan Independence' forces and their actions remains stark and complex," said Jia.

Over time, there are still two possible futures for cross-Strait relations, Jia acknowledged. One is that ¡°Taiwan independence¡± forces will continue to push for independence to the point of confrontation. This would lead to "sustained tension and volatility" or even bring cross-Straits relations again to "the brink of danger." The other is that separatist activities will be checked effectively and the relationship developed in a peaceful and stable manner.

"It is obvious that the first goes against the interests and will of compatriots across the Straits and is a dead-end, and the second complies with the interests and expectations of both sides, which is bright road ahead," Jia said, underscoring that "we should resolutely deter the first option and work on the second."

Jia said the mainland has been expecting and working for the resumption of cross-Straits dialogue and negotiations on the basis of the one-China principle. He noted that despite differences since 1949, both the mainland and Taiwan have always been parts of a single nation.

"This is the status quo of cross-Straits ties, which is not only recognized by us, but is also evident in existing stipulations and documents in Taiwan," stated Jia.

Jia recalled the 1992 Consensus resulting from both sides' recognition of the one-China principle by setting aside political differences in support of one China."

"Thus cross-Straits dialogue should be resumed on the basis of the one-China principle," he said.

Jia said that negotiations would work to advance economic ties, build understanding and confidence and promote common interests.

"Whatever it takes to protect the interests of Taiwan compatriots, advance cross-Straits ties, maintain peace and promote peaceful reunification of the motherland, we will do our utmost, and we are sure to do it well," Jia said.