People's aspiration for cross-Straits exchange cannot be blocked: Spokesperson

BEIJING -- The common aspiration of people across the Taiwan Straits for exchange and cooperation cannot be blocked by any individuals or forces, a Chinese mainland spokesperson said Wednesday.

"The enthusiasm of Taiwan compatriots for cross-Straits exchange and the sharing of development opportunities on the mainland cannot be dampened by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authority, although it has tried every means to obstruct," said Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, at a press conference.

He pointed out that strengthening cross-Straits exchange and cooperation is conducive to enhancing mutual understanding between people on both sides of the Straits and is in line with their common interests.

The number of Taiwan compatriots visiting the mainland has been growing steadily since the beginning of this year. Summer vacation months have become a hot season for cross-Straits exchange, he said.

Provincial-level regions including Beijing, Hebei, Shandong and Henan have hosted a series of cross-Straits economic and trade exchange events where a number of agreements on economic cooperation projects were signed. More events such as these will be held in Zhejiang, Guizhou, Sichuan, Guangxi and Chongqing, according to Ma.