Mainland unswerving in opposing "Taiwan independence": spokesperson

BEIJING, Nov. 16 -- A spokesperson reiterated Wednesday that the Chinese mainland will not waver in resolutely opposing and containing separatist activities seeking the "Taiwan independence".

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

"There is no force that can block the historic steps toward national reunification and rejuvenation," Ma said, adding that based on the 1992 Consensus, which affirms the one-China principle, the mainland will not change its sincerity and goodwill toward improving and developing cross-Strait relations.

The mainland will not abandon its promise to seek peace and benefits for people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, Ma said.

According to Ma, compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are brothers bonded by blood -- the mainland and Taiwan a community of common destiny.

A recent survey released by the Taiwan Competitiveness Forum shows 52 percent of the respondents on the island identify themselves as Chinese, compared with 46.8 percent in a survey in the first half of the year. In addition, about 86 percent believe they are part of the Chinese nation.

Compatriots on both sides of the strait will be closer to each other through deepening exchanges and cooperation, Ma said,

The peaceful development of cross-Strait relations must be upheld, and separatist activities seeking "Taiwan independence" should be contained, he said.