Since cross-Straits non-govern-mental contacts started in the late 1980s, the personal, cultural,economic and social exchanges between the two sides have been growing briskly. This demonstrates people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits have played a crucial role in promoting relations, and will determine their future. After Taiwan"s Kuomintang Party took office in 2008, cross-Straits relations have become more peaceful and displayed a new pattern of "more fre-quent communication, broader cooperation and faster development?" Cross-Straits non-governmental exchanges have entered a vibrant new phase, as indicated by the cross-Straits forums.