Resisting reunification by force to get Taiwan nowhere: mainland spokesperson

An Fengshan, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, speaks during a press conference in Beijing on Thursday, May 25, 2017. [Photo: people.com.cn]

A Chinese mainland spokesperson warned Thursday that the Taiwan administration's attempt to resist reunification by the use of force will get the island nowhere.

The Democratic Progressive Party administration should abandon its "Taiwan independence" stance and antagonistic mentality, said An Fengshan, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, during a press conference. 

"Only by recognizing the common political foundation of the 1992 Consensus can the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations be maintained." 

The 1992 Consensus embodies the one-China principle. 

An made the remarks when asked to comment on an ongoing military drill in Taiwan, which simulated an attack from the mainland. 

"'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces and their activities are the biggest threats to peaceful development of cross-Strait relations," An said.

He said the mainland opposed any "Taiwan independence" activities, no matter if they were radical or soft.

Responding to questions on relations between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Kuomintang (KMT), An said the two parties would adhere to the 1992 Consensus and oppose "Taiwan independence." 

"The CPC and KMT must continue to improve exchanges, stick to the correct direction for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, promote the well-being and kinship of compatriots on both sides, and strive to achieve the great revival of the Chinese nation," he said.