Cross-Strait Relations: 2017 marked by increase in visits

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2017 saw an uptick in visits from Taiwan to the Chinese mainland. The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council reported on this and other cross-strait matters, during its first press conference of the year. A spokesperson answered questions about China's past achievements and future challenges. Zheng Yibing reports.

A review of cross-strait relations over the past year. A spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of State Council said the situation is "complex and severe".

MA XIAOGUANG, SPOKESMAN TAIWAN AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE STATE COUNCIL "Taiwan authorities refused to recognize the 1992 Consensus, indulged in 'separating from China' policies, engaged with 'pro-independence' forces, and impeded cross-Strait exchanges."

Despite this, spokesman Ma Xiaoguang also praised people-to-people exchanges in 2017.

MA XIAOGUANG, SPOKESMAN TAIWAN AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE STATE COUNCIL "Our compatriots on both sides celebrated the 30th anniversary of cross-Strait exchanges. There were many highlights and good communication between people."

Around 8.78 million trips were made across the strait in 2017. Including, a record high 5.87 million trips that originated in Taiwan. 2.49 percent more than the year prior. Beijing rolled out more than 20 new policies, to help Taiwanese people who live, work or travel on the mainland.

The Taiwan Affairs office said the recently opened northbound M503 route in the Taiwan Strait will not affect people living on the island and advised Taiwan authorities not to take advantage of a recently passed so-called Taiwan Travel Act, that was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Ma Xiaoguang emphasized that the mainland will continue to promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, boost social and economic ties across the Taiwan Strait, and create benefits for cross-Strait compatriots. All based on one prerequisite.

ZHENG YIBING BEIJING "The Taiwan Affairs Office said that the new year will see the Chinese mainland unswervingly upholding the one-China principle, and the 1992 Consensus, and opposing all forms of "Taiwan independence". ZHENG YIBING CGTN BEIJING.