During Wednesday's meeting, Xi spoke highly of Soong and the PFP's role in promoting development of cross-Straits ties.

Xi said he hoped the PFP can uphold the one-China principle and continue to oppose separatist attempts for "Taiwan independence."

Li stresses cross-Straits harmony

Shanghai FTZ sees more liberalization

Soong said the PFP has never wavered in its principle that the two sides belong to one China and its opposition to "Taiwan independence," adding that his party will make efforts to enhance exchanges and political mutual trust across the Straits.

Soong founded the PFP in March 2000 and has acted as chairman of the Party since then. He visited the mainland in 2005 and 2009.

"Timely and crucial, this talk has the effect of clarifying the direction and strengthening confidence, as the protest against a cross-Straits service trade pact just ended and many people are confused about the future development of cross-Straits relations," said Yang Lixian, deputy secretary-general of the National Taiwan Studies Society.

Hundreds of students in Taiwan stormed into the legislative chamber on March 18 in protest of what they saw as "undemocratic" tactics used by the ruling Kuomintang to speed up the ratification of the pact between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.

A follow-up to the 2010 Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), the service trade agreement aims to open up 80 of the mainland's service sectors to Taiwan and 64 Taiwan sectors to the mainland.

"Xi's speech showcases his full confidence in the policies that have pushed forward the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations for years and in the fact that such policies won't be disturbed by obstacles," said Yang Yizhou, vice president of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots.

Yang Yizhou said the mainland should pay more attention to grassroots Taiwan people's demands and concerns and meanwhile expand cross-Straits exchanges in cultural and social aspects.