The Dajiang Forum, a new platform to discuss peaceful development of cross-Strait ties, kicked off on Monday in Beijing.

Scholars, professionals and representatives of industry associations and social organizations from culture, education, art, business, science and technology, leisure and agriculture took part.

The forum aims at establishing common ground for developing cross-Strait relations.

Lin Wenyi, chairwoman of the Central Committee of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League (TSL), expressed hope that peaceful development of relations will become an unstoppable trend and Taiwan compatriots, particularly those from grass-roots level, can benefit.

The forum is co-organized by the liaison department of the Central Committee of the TSL and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Peaceful Development of Cross-Strait Relations founded by the Xiamen University.