"Taiwan independence" greatest threat to cross-Strait peace: official

BEIJING, April 12 -- A Chinese mainland official on Wednesday called on people across the Taiwan Strait to fight "Taiwan independence" together, calling it the greatest threat to cross-Strait peace and stability.

"Any cultural de-sinicization by separatist forces in an attempt to sever the island's links with Chinese culture is doomed to fail and will be opposed by people on both sides," An Fengshan, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at a press conference.

"The mainland and Taiwan belong to one China and Chinese culture is the common spiritual home shared by people across the Strait," the spokesman said.