DPP's persistent stance on confrontation places Taiwan in precarious situation: mainland

BEIJING -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson Wednesday warned Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party over its impenitent stance on making provocations to pursue independence and stoking up confrontation across the Strait.

If the DPP continues down the old path of seeking "Taiwan independence" and confrontation, contrary to the will of the people, it will only further lead Taiwan into a more precarious situation, said Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, at a press conference held in Beijing.

Chen made the comments in response to a media query concerning rhetoric from the island claiming that the mainland will "exert increased pressure on Taiwan through political, economic and military means" before DPP politician Lai Ching-te takes office as the new leader of the Taiwan region.

Earlier this month, Taiwan's leadership and legislature elections were held, with the DPP securing only 40.05 percent of the votes in the leadership election while losing its status as the largest and dominant political party in the new legislative body.

Chen stated that the election results in Taiwan clearly demonstrate the prevailing public sentiment favoring peace over war, development over decline, communication over estrangement, and cooperation over confrontation. He added that the majority of people in Taiwan aspire to see enhanced cross-strait relations.