Taiwan and the mainland are of one family and the common blood and cultural ties can overcome anything, said Vice-Chairman of the Taiwan-based Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) Wu Poh-hsiung while visiting south China's Hainan Province on Tuesday.

Wu made the remarks in his address to 3,000 teachers and students at Hainan University in Haikou, capital of China's southernmost island province of Hainan.

"Currently, Taiwan and the mainland have different political systems and development experiences. It takes time and exchanges to establish mutual understanding," said Wu, citing his own experiences during his seven visits to the mainland, including a trip to his ancestral home.

In his speech, Wu expressed opposition to Taiwan independence, saying "the relations across the Taiwan Straits is like blood that is thicker than water."

(Xinhua News Agency April 13, 2006)