The Chinese Communist Party's No.4 in leadership lineup has met with the deputy head of Taiwan's largest opposition party, the Kuomintang.

State-run China Central Television says Wang Huning, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, met with Kuomintang vice chair Andrew Hsia in Beijing on Friday.

CCTV reports that Wang told Hsia he will implement Chinese President Xi Jinping's instructions and achieve the historic mission of national unification and rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Chinese media said Wang urged the KMT to oppose, together with the Communist Party of China, the independence of Taiwan and the interference of foreign forces. They say Wang urged Hsia to maintain peace and stability together in the Taiwan Strait.

Observers say Wang probably wants to join hands with the KMT to keep Washington in check as the US government is increasing its involvement in Taiwan affairs. They say the talks are also seen as a move to counter Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

Next month, Wang is expected to assume the head the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, whose mission includes covert operations to reunify Taiwan.

Some Taiwanese media quoted Chinese sources as saying that the timing of the talks shows Wang is keenly interested in Taiwan issues and is leading the management of cross-strait affairs.

The KMT is apparently hoping that Friday's talks with the communist party leadership will cast itself as the party capable of easing tensions through dialogue.

The opposition party also hopes the talks will provide momentum to its goal to return to power in next year's presidential election.

Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party accuses the KMT of pandering to Beijing's reunification efforts.