'Taiwan independence' activities responsible for speculation on 'non-peaceful reunification': spokesperson

BEIJING -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson has said that rising speculation of "non-peaceful reunification" should be blamed on the increasing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities on the island.

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, stressed at a press conference Wednesday that the mainland was willing to use its "greatest efforts and utmost good will" in pursuing peaceful reunification of the Chinese nation.

"However, it will never tolerate 'Taiwan independence' or allow such forces to split China," he said.

Ma made the remarks with regards to increased speculation that "non-peaceful measures" may be used in pursuit of China's reunification, though he said the Taiwan authorities leader believed such a prospect would not occur.

"Our policies toward Taiwan have been clear and consistent," Ma said.

The spokesperson said "Taiwan independence" was the greatest threat to cross-Strait peace and stability, while the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations was the fundamental guarantee for peace and stability.

Ma said the Taiwan authorities's refusal to accept the 1992 Consensus, undermined the political basis for cross-Strait ties, and its actions to unscrupulously develop arms would exacerbate tension across the Taiwan Strait.

"Whether the Taiwan authorities will follow the good trend and return to the 1992 Consensus or do the opposite depends on its own decisions," the spokesperson said.

In response to a question on the island's activities to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the death of former Taiwan leader Chiang Ching-kuo, son of Chiang Kai-shek, Ma acknowledged Chiang's efforts in upholding the one-China principle, opposing "Taiwan independence" and pursuing national unification.

"Based on the common political basis of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing 'Taiwan independence,' we are willing to enhance dialogue and cooperation with all parties, organizations and personages in Taiwan to jointly maintain and promote the interests of people on both sides of the Strait and safeguard the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties," he said.