Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Chinese Kuomintang, said on Wednesday at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu province, that both sides of the Taiwan Strait should work together to promote reconciliation and foster regional prosperity and peace.
Cheng led a KMT delegation to pay homage at the mausoleum on Wednesday morning, a traditional first stop for KMT chairpersons visiting the Chinese mainland. After ascending 392 steps, she presented a wreath in tribute.
Following the ceremony, Cheng expressed hope that the visit would help plant the seeds of peace, not only for Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, but for all humanity. She emphasized that pursuing peace is a historical responsibility and obligation of the KMT.
This year marks the 160th anniversary of the birth of Sun Yat-sen, a founding figure of the KMT who played a key role in overthrowing imperial rule in China and died in 1925. His remains were laid to rest at the mausoleum in 1929.
Each individual, Cheng said, should help nurture and sustain these seeds of peace every day so that they may grow and flourish, allowing future generations to live under their shelter.
Cheng's visit, which includes stops in Jiangsu, Shanghai and Beijing, will run through Sunday.
"We have witnessed progress and development on the mainland that far exceed expectations," she said, urging both sides of the Taiwan Strait to promote reconciliation and unity, and to contribute to regional prosperity and stability.