Mainland open to collaborate with Taiwan parties, groups

The mainland is willing to strengthen communication with political parties and groups in Taiwan, including the KMT, based on the 1992 Consensus, a spokeswoman said on Wednesday in response to the reported resumption of the inter-party forum between the Communist Party of China and the Chinese Kuomintang.

According to media reports in Taiwan, the Cross-Strait Economic, Trade and Culture Forum, commonly known as the inter-party forum between the CPC and the KMT, will be held at the end of January after a nine-year suspension.

Speaking at a news conference, Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said information about the forum will be released in due course.

She reiterated the mainland's willingness to work with political parties, groups, and people in Taiwan, including the KMT, to strengthen exchanges and maintain positive engagement, in order to promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations based on upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence".

Zhu criticized the Democratic Progressive Party authorities' separatist stance and their attempts to pursue "Taiwan independence" by relying on foreign forces and military means. She also accused the DPP of obstructing cross-Strait exchanges and misleading the people of Taiwan to seek political self-interest.

"Their actions completely go against the mainstream public opinion on the island, which favors peace, development, exchanges and cooperation," Zhu said, adding that the DPP authorities have harmed the vital interests of the Taiwan people and pushed the island toward the threat of conflict.

Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the KMT, said on Saturday that since assuming the role, she has actively promoted cross-Strait dialogue and reconciliation, aiming to pave a new path for peace between the two sides.

"Since I took office, I have felt that exchanges and dialogue with the mainland have been very smooth, and that it has shown sincerity and goodwill. As a result, related activities will continue to be carried forward," Cheng said.