Cross-Strait affairs should be settled 'like family', official says

Around 200 Taiwan compatriots join a warm gathering on Wednesday in Fuzhou, East China's Fujian province, to celebrate the approaching Chinese New Year. [Photo by Zhang Yi/chinadaily.com.cn]

A senior Chinese mainland official on Wednesday pledged broader development opportunities for Taiwan enterprises and urged compatriots across the Taiwan Strait to uphold national interests and oppose "Taiwan independence" during a festive gathering in East China's Fujian province.

Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said the mainland will provide more space for Taiwan firms to take root by implementing wider opening-up and deeper reforms during the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period.

Addressing a symposium in Fuzhou for about 200 Taiwan compatriots, including business people and residents from Jinmen and Matsu, Song emphasized that cross-Strait affairs are "family matters" and should be settled through consultation among family members.

"We will never allow any external interference," Song said, underscoring that the peace of the "common home" must be protected and its "assets" must not be compromised.

The official concluded by calling on Taiwan compatriots to uphold national justice, oppose "Taiwan independence", and work together toward the country's reunification.