BEIJING-- The Chinese mainland welcomes more Taiwan compatriots to be involved in the promotion of peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, said a mainland spokesman on Wednesday.
Ma Xiaoguang, State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman, made the remarks when commenting on whether a speech by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, was a signal of goodwill toward Taiwan's opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
When meeting visiting Kuomintang Honorary Chairman Lien Chan in Beijing on Feb 18, Xi said, "Whoever he is, whatever assertions he has made before, he will be welcome as long as he is now willing to promote peaceful development of cross-Strait relations."
This part of the speech has been interpreted by Taiwanese media as addressing the DPP.
Ma told a press conference, "Xi's remarks clearly professed our stance. All Taiwan compatriots, no matter where they originate from and which ethnic groups they belong to, are our own flesh and blood."
When responding to a question about long-existing political differences between the two sides, Ma said the Chinese mainland is ready to hold consultations with the Taiwan side on political differences on an equal basis under the One-China principle.
Ma said that the mainland remains positive and open to a possible meeting between leaders from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Ma said both sides visiting each other like a family, discussing detailed plans for cross-Strait relations, will help create a better environment for peaceful development of ties.
He stressed that a cross-Strait leadership meeting is the business of the mainland and Taiwan, and there is no need to realize such a meeting during international events and occasions.
