CHINA’S top political adviser yesterday told the sixth Straits Forum that the mainland will show more respect and understanding for Taiwanese people’s way of thinking.

    “We understand the mentality Taiwanese compatriots have developed under special historical conditions, we respect their identification with the current social system, values and lifestyle, and we know that some friends still harbor misgivings on the cross-Strait relations,” Yu Zhengsheng said.

    Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, gave a speech at the Straits Forum as it opened in Xiamen yesterday.

    In March, Taiwanese students seized the headquarters of the island’s legislative body in protest against a mainland-Taiwan service trade pact. Some analysts said the protest required both sides to rethink problems in cross-Strait relations.

    According to Yu, cross-Strait relations are bound to encounter deeper issues as they develop, and it is important that “we give each other more understanding, respect and consideration from the perspective of one family.”

    He said the mainland leadership will continue to roll out measures that benefit Taiwanese people and will also listen to people of all walks of life in Taiwan and form a better understanding of their practical needs so cross-Strait cooperation can encourage more participation and benefit more people.(Xinhua)