Mainland tells Taiwan political figures not to obstruct reunification

A Chinese mainland spokesman on Wednesday warned political figures in Taiwan not to obstruct the national reunification.

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks at a press conference.

The reunification of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait is a common aspiration of all Chinese people and also a fundamental interest of the Chinese nation, Ma said.

"We pin our hopes on the people in Taiwan," the spokesman said. "Political figures in Taiwan should, at least, not do things that obstruct the national reunification, let alone to carry out separatist activities."

While answering a question about increasing willingness by Taiwan residents to seek job and academic opportunities on the mainland, the spokesman said that more members of the public in Taiwan will come to realize that compatriots of the two sides belong to one community of shared future.

"The mainland's policies towards Taiwan have helped more people in Taiwan understand that our commitment to seeking welfare for Taiwan compatriots is sincere and that the mainland's development is an opportunity, not a threat, to Taiwan," he said.

He noted that "Taiwan independence" would harm the fundamental interests of people on both sides and the immediate interests of people in Taiwan.

While answering a separate question, Ma pledged to support local Party and governmental departments in Fujian in piloting more programs to promote the welfare of Taiwan compatriots and cross-Strait integrated development in economic and social fields.

He also said the one-China principle is a trend that is in line with the will of the people and a consensus in the international community, expressing opposition to the United States and Taiwan developing military relations, and to any official exchanges between Taiwan and countries that have diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.