A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday called on the new leader of the Taiwan region to make a clear choice between peaceful development and confrontation across the Taiwan Strait.
Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks at a press conference in Beijing. He emphasized that the mainstream public opinion on the island favors peace over war, development over decline, communication over separation, and cooperation over confrontation.
“Whether to follow the will of the people and take the path of peaceful development, or go against popular will and engage in provocation and confrontation, is a question that not only concerns the interests and well-being of the Taiwan compatriots but also the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” Chen said. “This is a question that the new leader of Taiwan must seriously face and give a clear answer to.”
Chen reiterated that “Taiwan independence” and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water. “We always adhere to the one-China principle and the ‘1992 Consensus,’ firmly oppose ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities and interference from external forces,” he stated.
He added that the Chinese mainland will continue to expand exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the two sides of the Strait, deepen integrated development, and firmly promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the cause of national reunification.
Reference(s):
Taiwan's new leader urged to make choice on cross-Straits relations
cgtn.com
