BEIJING -- Top political advisor Wang Yang on Friday called for efforts to unite with Taiwan compatriots to advance peaceful reunification of the motherland, and realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.

Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks while meeting with representatives of the first meeting of the new council of the Chinese mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS).

Describing the current cross-Strait situation as complex and grave, Wang asked the new ARATS council to take the initiative to improve communication with Taiwan compatriots, promote cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation, and properly handle problems and emergencies arising during the process.