Premier Li Keqiang arrives for the news conference after the closing meeting of the fourth session of China's 12th National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, March 16, 2016. [Photo by Xu Jingxing/chinadaily.com.cn]

CTI Television Incorporation: There has been a change of ruling party in Taiwan this year. There is a perception that the change will bring uncertainty to cross-Straits relations. I would like to ask for your opinion about the prospects of cross-Straits relations. Will the mainland introduce more measures that will help boost cross-Straits relations, business cooperation and improve people's livelihoods?

Li Keqiang: Peaceful development of cross-Straits relations is in interest of people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits. Economic and social ties between the two sides are also becoming increasingly close, and there needs to be sound interaction between the two sides. Last year, I paid a field trip to Fujian province, where I had a round-table with some Taiwan business people. Many of them were quite sensitive about any economic measures from the mainland and some were considering whether the preferential policy for Taiwan businesses will be changed. Their point was well taken and we quickly issued a document specifying that all the introduced preferential policies for Taiwan businesses will remain unchanged to make them feel reassured.

Why did we do that? Because we are all members of a big family.

We will introduce more policies to boost business cooperation between the mainland and Taiwan on the premise that there will be continued peaceful development of cross-Straits relations and the footstone of it is the 1992 Consensus. As long as one adheres to the political foundation of the 1992 Consensus and recognizes it, that both mainland and Taiwan belong to one and the same China, anything can be discussed. I for one feel opmistic about the future of peaceful development of cross-Straits relations. There is a strong tie between the two sides that cannot be severed. I also believe that closer business cooperation could bring benefits to people of both sides.