Joint efforts are needed in building a common understanding in a bid to solve cross-Straits political issues, according to a Chinese mainland spokesman Nov 16.

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

"The two sides should work together in building up a common understanding and paving the way for cracking difficult political issues in the future."

Yang made the remarks in response to a question on whether the two sides had made any attempts to discuss political issues.

Addressing the opening of the 18th Communist Party of China's (CPC) National Congress, Hu Jintao, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, suggested the two sides jointly explore cross-Straits political relations and make reasonable arrangements for them under the special condition that the country is yet to be reunified.

The comments on cross-Straits issues in Hu's speech showed that the mainland has been pragmatic with the history between the two sides and new problems in cross-Straits relations, Yang said.

The remarks can be regarded as a positive response to concerns in Taiwan society, he said.

Also, Yang said that the two sides should address easier problems first and deal with issues step by step.

The two sides of the Taiwan Straits should continue economic cooperation and step up exchanges in the culture and education sectors while preparing to settle political and military issues, he said.

The mainland would like to implement the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement and discuss its follow-up pacts with Taiwan as well as gradually remove barriers in cross-Straits trade and investment, he said.

"We will as always take care of the concerns of ordinary Taiwan people and try our best to look after the interests of small enterprises, traditional business and common people, especially those in the southern and central part of Taiwan," he said.