The Chinese mainland will adhere to the one-China principle and object to any notion of “Taiwan independence,” says Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Wang, also vice premier of the State Council, made the statement at the 2018 National Work Conference on Taiwan, which was held in Beijing from Feb. 1-2.

According to Wang, studying and implementing the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the CPC, as well as General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thought on Taiwan affairs, is a prioritized political mission at present and for years to come.

Xi's important thought on Taiwan affairs is a key part of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. We must stick to and fully understand it so that we can apply the thoughts to the next level's work on Taiwan affairs, Wang said.

He also noted that the current and next level of the Taiwan Strait situation will become more challenging. Meanwhile, "we should adhere to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, object to any kind of 'Taiwan independence' and actively promote communication and collaboration between the two sides. The mainland will gradually push for equal opportunities for Taiwan residents to study, work and live in the mainland so that both sides can promote Chinese culture together."

Wang emphasized that "we should unite closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi as its core, keep the mission of promoting the relationship between the two sides firmly in mind and make new contributions to the peaceful reunification of the motherland."