Jia Qinglin (R), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, who is also the chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets with Kuomintang (KMT) Vice Chairman Tseng Yung-chuan at the third cross-Strait forum in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, June 11, 2011. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

XIAMEN, Fujian -- Top Chinese political advisor Jia Qinglin said Saturday that the sound development of relations between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan "must be maintained" and "progress must be advanced."

In his meeting with Taiwanese guests who are in Xiamen of southeastern Fujian Province to attend the third Strait Forum, Jia said hardships and problems will be conquered and more understanding and support from the Taiwan public would be earned, as long as both sides build mutual trust and solve problems gradually, "with easier things first."

He said cross-Strait relations must be "stabilized" to consolidate the shared political foundation of opposing "Taiwan independence" and sticking to the 1992 Consensus, based on which, both sides of the Strait adhere to the one-China principle.

"Grassroots people on both sides pursue a stable and happy life, instead of turbulence in cross-Strait relations," said Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

The mainland and Taiwan should unite to jointly "safeguard the Chinese image and the immediate interests of people on both sides" and promote the "overall interests" of the Chinese nation, Jia added.

He also said both should pursue mutual benefits and consider concerns of the other side so as to ensure that "both sides enjoy benefits and feel happy."