Taiwan policy unchanged after elections: mainland

A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday promised no major change in its Taiwan policy in the wake of the island's recent leadership elections.

"Our fundamental policies toward Taiwan have always been clear and consistent," An Fengshan, of the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, told reporters at a regular briefing.

"No matter which party or group, no matter what they have advocated in the past, as long as they are willing to recognize the 1992 Consensus and acknowledge the fact that both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan belong to one and the same China, we are willing to engage with them," An said.

His words came about a month after Tsai Ing-wen, candidate for Taiwan's pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), won the island's recent leadership elections, beating rival Kuomintang runner Eric Chu.

Tsai, who has so far been reluctant to state her position on the issue of Taiwanese independence, is expected to take office on May 20.

Asked how the Chinese mainland will interact with the new administration, An said it would continue to promote peaceful development of ties across the Taiwan Strait and protect peace and stability in the region, on the political basis of the 1992 Consensus and opposition to Taiwan independence.

"We resolutely oppose all forms of secessionist activities and will take measures to safeguard China's sovereign and territorial integrity," An added. Endi