China blamed recent tensions between the mainland and Taiwan on collusion between the region's politicians and foreign forces. The spokesperson of the Taiwan Affairs Office, under China's State Council, made the remarks in a news conference on Wednesday. Ma Xiaoguang was responding to a question raised which quoted Taiwan politicians as saying that tensions are at their highest in 40 years. Ma said the actions of the Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan damage efforts to restore trust and bring benefits to people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.