Senior leader Jia Qinglin on Tuesday called on compatriots from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao to uphold the "one China" policy, encouraging them to make efforts to realize China's "peaceful reunification."

Jia, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), made the remark while meeting with a national day celebration group composed of members from the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Jia, also chairman of the National Committee of CPPCC, stressed that the two sides across the Taiwan Strait should strengthen exchanges, enhance common understanding, adhere to the basic principle of "peaceful reunification" and "One China, Two Systems," principle, and fight against any conspiracy by Taiwan separatists and to maintain China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He also expressed the hope that more overseas Chinese act as a bridge between China and the world and return to create brilliant careers in the country's rapid development.

The tourist group will participate in the celebration during the upcoming National Day holiday for the 55th anniversary of the founding of new China.

(Xinhua News Agency September 29, 2004)