GUANGZHOU, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, the Chinese mainland's Taiwan affairs chief, Thursday welcomed Taiwan guests who arrived in southern China's Guangzhou City to attend the Asian Games which begin Friday.

The Asian Games is not only a grand event for Asia but also an event for both peoples across the Taiwan Strait, said Wang, director of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, at a reception for about 150 Taiwan guests, including Wu Poh-hsiung, honorary chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT) Party.

Following the examples of the Beijing Olympics and the Shanghai World Expo, the Guangzhou Asian Games will be another stage for the people on both sides of the Strait to enhance communication and boost connections, Wang said.

He expressed hope every Taiwan compatriot feels friendship in Guangzhou and that every Taiwan athlete will do their best at the Games.

The mainland authorities will work with the Games' organizers to provide good services for Taiwan guests while creating a fair environment for competition for Taiwan athletes, he said, adding that Taiwan spectators at the Games will be comfortable.

"I believe mainland compatriots, especially Guangzhou residents, will support and encourage the Taiwan athletes," he said.

The performance of every athlete from the two sides of the Strait will represent the Chinese spirit and every medal they win will be an honor for both sides, Wang said.

He expressed hope the two sides of the Strait can both achieve good performances at the Games and set records.