Mainland capable of foiling 'Taiwan independence' attempts: spokesperson

BEIJING -- The Chinese mainland has the resolve, the confidence, and the ability to defeat separatist attempts at "Taiwan independence" in any form, and to defend the national sovereignty and territorial integrity, a mainland spokesperson said Wednesday.

"We will never allow the historical tragedy of national division to repeat itself, and nobody should underestimate our resolve and strength," said Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, at a news briefing.

Ma made the comment when asked to respond to Taiwan media reports that some people in Taiwan said the United States will further support the Democratic Progressive Party. He described it as a wishful thinking and a major miscalculation on the international situation that deliberately mislead the Taiwan public.

"Taiwan independence" forces are the largest threat for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and the greatest harm to the interests of Taiwan compatriots and the Chinese nation, the spokesperson said.