Senior official stresses China's resolve in smashing 'Taiwan independence' attempts

Senior official Wang Huning on Saturday stressed that China has the resolve, the confidence and the ability to smash separatist attempts for "Taiwan independence" in any form.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the statement while addressing the main meeting of the 16th Straits Forum in Xiamen City, southeast China's Fujian Province.

The speech made by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, in April pointed out the direction for the development of cross-Straits relations and peace and stability in the Straits, Wang said.

He called on people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits to shoulder their historical and national responsibilities, firmly oppose "Taiwan independence" separatism and foreign interference, steadfastly safeguard the common homeland of the Chinese nation, promote peace and tranquility across the Straits, and work together to push cross-Straits relations back onto the right path.

Separatists seeking "Taiwan independence" undermine peace and stability between the two sides of the Straits, harm the interests and well-being of people in Taiwan, and jeopardize national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Wang said, adding that their actions will push Taiwan to the brink of war and bring disaster to people on the island.

He pledged that the mainland will continue enhancing the interests and well-being of the people of Taiwan, and welcome more of them to participate in cross-Straits exchange, cooperation and integrated development.

He also expressed the hope that young people on both sides of the Straits will engage in more exchanges and interactions, develop mutual understanding, and work together to realize the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Sean Lien, vice chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, said the KMT has always promoted cross-Straits exchange and cooperation, based on the common political foundation of upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence."

People on both sides of the Straits, all of whom are Chinese, should face challenges together and strive for peace and prosperity for future generations of the Chinese nation.

Ahead of the conference, Wang met with guests from Taiwan who are attending the forum.