'Taiwan independence' provocation biggest threat to cross-Strait relations, mainland spokesman says

The Democratic Progressive Party's provocation of "Taiwan independence" is the biggest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and to the security and well-being of Taiwan compatriots, a spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said on Wednesday.

Ma Xiaoguang made the remarks during a news conference while refuting claims recently made by Lai Ching-te, a senior DPP official who said that the biggest challenge Taiwan faces is the "threat of force" from the mainland, and that accepting the 1992 Consensus and the One-China principle is tantamount to giving up the "sovereignty of Taiwan", which will not bring sustainable peace.

Lai's words disregarded facts and are illogical, once again exposing the absurdity of the "Taiwan independence" argument, Ma said.

Taiwan is a part of China and has never been a country, nor has so-called "sovereignty", Ma said. The 1992 Consensus, which embodies the One-China principle, is the political foundation for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, he added, and denying this basis and attempting to change the status quo that both the mainland and Taiwan belong to the same China will only undermine peace across the Taiwan Strait and plunge cross-Strait relations into turmoil.

Lai also claimed that Taiwan should enhance its "self-defense force", cooperate with the "world democratic camp", and "avoid war and achieve peace by preparing for war".

Ma said that Lai's statement further confirms that the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and their provocations pose the greatest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

"If they do not mean for provocation, then why do they 'prepare for war'? The best way to 'avoid a war' is to abandon the 'Taiwan independence' position and take the path of peaceful development," Ma said.

Ma said that the acts of Taiwan being emboldened by external forces to create confrontation across the Strait, and even to act as pawns for foreigners against China, will only bring the island closer to disaster.

Resuming cross-Strait negotiations based on adherence to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" is not an illusion, but a practical and feasible path, he said while commenting on the DPP's opposition to the suggestion made by Terry Guo, founder and chairman of Foxconn, to reopen negotiations with the mainland on the basis of "one China, different interpretations".

The mainstream public opinion on the island is for peace rather than war, development rather than recession, and exchange and cooperation rather than isolation, Ma said, adding that upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" is the political foundation for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the key to peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.

"On this basis, we are ready to work with people from all walks of life on the island and Taiwan compatriots to promote peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and safeguard peace and stability across the Strait," he said.

The authorities of the DPP stubbornly adhere to the position of "Taiwan independence", constantly seek to make provocations and even hope to succeed, which is a fantasy, he added.