Photo taken on July 21, 2019 from Xiangshan Mountain shows the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taipei,Taiwan. (PHOTO /XINHUA)
BEIJING – A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday reiterated the central government's strong stance on the Taiwan question for the upcoming year.
"We will take more forceful measures to crush attempts of secessionists who seek 'Taiwan independence,' oppose external forces' intervention in Taiwan affairs, and continue promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations," said Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.
Spokesman Ma Xiaoguang denounced a small number of secessionist forces in Taiwan, who, with the support of the island's Democratic Progressive Party authority, pushed for a so-called "referendum" on changing the name the island competes under at international sports events
He stressed continuous efforts in exploring new ways to push integrated development across the Straits and sharing development opportunities with Taiwan compatriots in 2022.
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Ma also condemned attempts to politicize sports and denounced a small number of secessionist forces in Taiwan, who, with the support of the island's Democratic Progressive Party authority, pushed for a so-called "referendum" on changing the name the island competes under at international sports events.
The rules for the participation of Taiwan athletes in international sports events have long been established, said Ma.
"No one or force has the power to deprive Taiwan athletes of their right to compete in international sports events," said Ma.
The island has been taking part in international sports events under the name of "Chinese Taipei."
In response to US President Joe Biden's signing into law of a defense spending act that has content related to Taiwan, Ma expressed strong opposition and said the US has no right to interfere in Taiwan-related issues, which fall within China's domestic affairs.
"No person or force can stop our righteous actions to thwart 'Taiwan independence' activities and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Ma said.
Attempts of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authority to look for US support for the independence agenda will fail, he said.
Also at the press conference, Ma urged Japan to adhere to the "one-China" principle, abide by four political documents between the two countries and prudently handle Taiwan-related issues.
When commenting on Taiwan's participation in regional economic cooperation, he reiterated the "one-China" principle and urged politicians in certain related countries to refrain from sending any wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.