The unification of the two sides of the Taiwan Straits has gained popularity among the people, said Jiang Liping, Vice-Chairman of the Central Committee of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League, one of the eight non-Communist political parties in China.

Jiang, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks in an interview on Tuesday during the ongoing two sessions in Beijing.

"I have seen the motherland always open its arms to Taiwan," he said. "With a spirit of respecting, caring and benefiting compatriots on both sides of the Straits, the mainland has been promoting economic and cultural exchanges, and cooperation and integrated development across the Straits."

Jiang cited data of Hubei province where he lives that as of the end of last year, about 3,500 Taiwan residents living in the province and 3,000 companies funded by Taiwan have benefited from related policies.

"I believe that the family bond between the two sides can cross the shallow Straits," he said. "I hope we can take high-speed trains to Taipei in the future, and people in Taiwan can fly to visit the Wudang Mountains in Hubei."