Joint efforts are needed to build a common understanding in a bid to solve cross-Straits political issues, a mainland spokesman said on Friday.

"Political issues in cross-Straits relations are always there. We will have to deal with them sooner or later," said Yang Yi, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, at a regular news conference in Beijing.

"The two sides should work together to build a common understanding and pave the way for solving difficult political issues in the future."