Yu Zhengsheng seeks 'civilian-level dialogue' to broach political discussions with Taiwan

Yu Zhengsheng , a member of the Communist Party's top leadership overseeing Taiwan affairs, yesterday called for more "civilian-level" political dialogue to help realise Beijing's goal of cross-strait reunification.

Speaking at the annual Taiwan work conference in Beijing, Yu - the chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and a member of the supreme Politburo Standing Committee - called for concerted efforts from all levels of government to develop cross-strait relations and discourage the island from declaring independence.

The remarks by Yu, who sits with President Xi Jinping on the panel responsible for Taiwan affairs, were seen by analysts as an effort to advance the thorny issue of political talks by using civilian groups outside the normal sphere of politics.

"All departments all over the country must steadfastly and wholeheartedly push for stable development of cross-strait relations, continue to promote cross-strait political mutual trust and interaction, while resolutely opposing any separatist attempt of Taiwan independence," Yu said.

Analysts saw the move as a logical step to push Beijing's reunification agenda forward, given Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou's reluctance to start political talks.

"With Taiwan's local government elections set to be held in December, Beijing will try all it can to promote political dialogue with various sectors in Taiwan," said Yang Lixian , a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Taiwan Studies.