BEIJING, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland Wednesday called for the early establishment of resident media bureaus across the Taiwan Strait.

Media exchanges, which had played a significant role in promoting cross-Strait ties, were lagging behind exchanges in other fields, said Yang Yi, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office.

Having a resident bureau across the Taiwan Strait was the aspiration of both mainland and Taiwan news organizations, Yang said at a press conference.

"We shall address the media's request with joint efforts," he said.

At present, the mainland and Taiwan usually allow journalists from the other side to work for periods of three or six months, after which they must leave.

"It is not so difficult to change the situation," Yang said.