BEIJING, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- More than 260 experts and scholars from the mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan joined a forum at Peking University on Monday to promote cultural communication and develop the Chinese culture.

Cultural exchange across the Taiwan Strait has injected new vitality into the inheritance and development of the Chinese culture, and played an important role in enhancing the emotional exchange between compatriots on both sides and promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, said Liu Jieyi, director of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, at the opening ceremony.

Calling the Chinese culture the most fundamental spiritual gene and the most unique spiritual identity of the Chinese nation, Liu said the Chinese culture is a precious treasure and spiritual bond of the people on both sides of the strait.

Liu Chao-shiuan, chairman of Taiwan's Foundation of Chinese Culture for Sustainable Development, said the Chinese civilization is enduring and thriving and full of energy and impetus for cultural innovation.

"We hope that people from both sides of the strait will join hands to rejuvenate and strengthen the Chinese culture and make new contributions to mankind," said Liu.

The forum will last for two days and is hosted by Peking University and the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots.