Jia Qinglin (R), chairman of the National  Committee of the Chinese People's Political  Consultative Conference, shakes hands with  James Soong, chairman of the People First Party  in Taiwan, during their meeting in Shanghai, east  China, Sept. 15, 2005. (Xinhua Photo) Jia Qinglin, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with James Soong, chairman of the Taiwan's People First Party (PFP), here on Thursday. Jia noted that positive factors in cross-Strait relations that are conducive to containing "Taiwan independence" activities have been on rise thanks to endeavors made by compatriots on both sides. The compatriots on Taiwan island became more willing to step up the communication and cooperation across the Strait and promote the peace and stability across the Strait. However, the risk that "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces seek to create a legal basis for "Taiwan independence" through amending the constitution still exists.The fight to opposeand contain "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces and activities remain severe and complex, he acknowledged. "Since May, the CPC, the KMT party and the PFP have vigorously implemented their consensus and have made substantial progress. The mainland is exerting itself to turn its promise into action," said Jia, who is also Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. The forum was held to implement the communique signed by Hu Jintao, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, and James Soong, chairman of the People First Party (PFP) in May. The forum was also a crucial step the two parties have taken to further increase their communication and dialogue, he said. James Soong said the Taiwanese had seen the sincerity and resolution of the CPC to promote peace and stability across the Strait through what it did recently. He urges the compatriots on both sides to use the Chinese wisdom to cope with problems cropping up in the cross-Strait relations. The compatriots on both sides should never allow the "Taiwan independence" secessionist force to undermine the cross-Strait relations, Soong said.