By Ling Dequan, Researcher, Center for World Affairs Studies, Xinhua News Agency

　　On November 7, Xi Jinping and Ma Ying-jeou, the top leaders across the Taiwan Straits held a historic meeting at the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore. This event could be this year's top ten news story across the Taiwan Straits, and for the world as well.

　　The meeting will write a new chapter of the Chinese nation’s history for generations of Chinese to come.

　　Lianhe Zaobao of Singapore reports that after isolation lasting for 66 years, the top leaders held a historic meeting at the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore. Xi and Ma walked towards the Banquet Hall at 3 p.m. local time.

　　Hundreds of journalists witnessed their handshake, which lasted for more than a minute that was profoundly significant. With mutual and constructive respect, both sides exchanged frank and in-depth views on issues to promote peaceful development and a national revival.

　　The two sides reviewed the 66-year extraordinary history of cross-Strait relations, along with its improvement that have occurred during the last 7 years, while summarizing their experiences.

　　They expounded on political ideas to promote relations to reach a positive consensus. Both sides agreed the meeting would boost the long-term development of cross-Strait relations.

　　In our information age, the full text of remarks of Xi and Ma were instantly spread across the Taiwan Straits and around the world. The public, especially descendants of China - at home and abroad - paid much attention to the meeting.

　　Xi and Ma delivered speeches after shaking hands and participated in closed-door talks. Xi's speech is less than 700 words, but demonstrated sincerity. The meeting shows that no matter how many challenges the two sides have undergone, they cannot be pulled apart.