Mainland able to thwart separatist 'Taiwan independence' activities

The Chinese mainland has the ability to thwart "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference, and is confident in achieving the reunification of the country, said Qiu Kaiming, vice-director of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office over the weekend.

Qiu made the remarks during a seminar on cross-Strait relations held in Shanghai, with more than 160 experts and officials from both sides of the Taiwan Strait in attendance.

The two-day event came amid tense cross-Strait relations featuring discussions focusing on the advancement of Chinese modernization and the shared well-being of people from both sides of the Strait.

Regarding the tariff war initiated by the United States, Qiu said that China is fully capable of addressing various risks and challenges, and the countermeasures taken by Beijing have received widespread praise from people both at home and abroad, including Taiwan compatriots.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the restoration of Taiwan from Japanese occupation, and Qiu mentioned that back then, under extremely difficult circumstances, the Chinese people fought valiantly to safeguard the core interests of the country, achieving a victory that was both heroic and tear-jerking.

"In the present day, it is even more imperative to not allow any external forces to interfere in the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," he said.

Emphasizing that China has the ability to ensure the shared wellbeing of people on both sides of the Strait, he called on all Taiwan compatriots to recognize where Taiwan's future and their interests lie, and to advance national reunification and rejuvenation alongside their mainland compatriots.

Experts at the seminar said since Lai Ching-te assumed office as Taiwan's leader, he has made increasingly provocative moves seeking separation, undermining peace in the Strait and the wellbeing of people in Taiwan.

Seminar participants called for efforts to oppose separatist activities aimed at "Taiwan independence", and to deepen cross-Strait exchange and cooperation.