Xi's talk of cross-strait dream 'aimed at political talks'
Analysts say the ultimate goal of new party leader's talk of brotherhood is unification, but such an outcome is a long way down the road
Communist Party leader Xi Jinping's appeal for people across the Taiwan Strait to forge dreams together is being seen as a new approach by the party's new leadership to make the prospect of cross-strait political talks more accessible.
But academics and non-government organisations from the two sides that specialise in cross-strait ties said extensive exchanges and discussions would also be needed.
In a meeting with Lien Chan, honorary chairman of Taiwan's Kuomintang, in Beijing on Monday, Xi said it was the duty of the new party leadership "to continue promoting the peaceful development of cross-strait ties and peaceful unification", and called on both sides to work together to achieve "Chinese dreams" of "China's renaissance".
"Nothing can cut the blood bond between mainland and Taiwan compatriots and nothing can change the fact that both sides belong to one China."
It was Xi's highest-level cross-strait meeting since he succeeded Hu Jintao as party general secretary in November.
"Realising the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation - the greatest dream in the country's modern history - requires the joint efforts of people from the two sides," he said, adding that "if brothers are of the same mind, their sharp strength can cut through metal".
