Li expects further progress on cross-Straits ties

Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday he expects negotiations on a follow-up of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan to see early results.

Li was speaking at a press conference shortly after the conclusion of China's annual legislative session.

"Last year, more than 800 million visits were exchanged between people of the two sides of the Taiwan Straits, reaching a new high. We hope such good momentum will continue," Li said.

"Moreover, the two sides are also in the course of consultations on a follow-up of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement. We hope to see early results of the consultations so that greater benefits can be delivered to people and businesses on both sides."

The premier also noted that last year, media on both sides of the Taiwan Straits jointly selected the Chinese character jin, meaning progress in English, as the Chinese character of 2013.

"I believe this shows the trend of the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations and also represents the common wish of people on both sides. I hope to see even greater and new progress in cross-Straits ties this year," he said.