Commemoration of Taiwan's restoration fully reflects people's will: mainland spokesperson

BEIJING -- The designation of Oct 25 as the Commemoration Day of Taiwan's Restoration and commemorative activities held at the national level to mark the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration to China fully reflect the will of the people and the state, a mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Zhang Han, a new spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a press conference that the latest moves serve as a powerful defense for the historical fact of Taiwan's restoration to the motherland, which will guide compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait in inheriting and promoting the patriotic tradition, and inspire all Chinese people to unite in striving for national reunification and rejuvenation.

The Taiwan question concerns China's core interests and the Chinese people's national sentiments, Zhang noted, emphasizing the country's responsibility to help compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to remember history and uphold peace, as well as pursue benefits and well-being for them.

"It is also our responsibility to help compatriots in Taiwan to clearly recognize the historical and legal fact that both sides of the Strait belong to one China, to see through the nature of 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces in bringing disaster to Taiwan, and to understand the historical inevitability of national reunification," Zhang said.

The spokesperson pledged efforts to continue adhering to the one-China principle, resolutely oppose separatist activities seeking "Taiwan independence" and interference by external forces, respect and benefit compatriots in Taiwan, deepen cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, promote integrated development, and share the opportunities and achievements of Chinese modernization.

"We will work together with compatriots in Taiwan to advance the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and contribute to the great cause of national reunification and rejuvenation," Zhang added.