Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, speaks at a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 27, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BEIJING - A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday denounced Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te's election slogan as one suggestive of his intention to seek "Taiwan independence".

Addressing a press conference, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said that it has been clear to all that a "'Taiwan independence' worker" is a "troublemaker" and "war-maker," and pursuing "Taiwan independence" ultimately leads to nowhere.

Zhu said the teacher voiced the concerns of many educators, parents, and experts in Taiwan, adding that the unpopular actions of the DPP authority are bound to face even stronger opposition from compatriots on both sides of the Strait

Zhu expressed the hope that Taiwan compatriots will firmly oppose "Taiwan independence" for the sake of their peace, stability and well-being.  

"De-Sinicization" slammed

Zhu on Wednesday also slammed the Taiwan's DPP authority's attempts to push forward "de-Sinicization" on the island and sever the cultural ties across the Taiwan Strait.

READ MORE: DPP election duo will 'harm Taiwan's future'

Zhu made the remarks at a press conference in response to a recently spotlighted video, in which a teacher from a prestigious high school in Taipei criticized the educational curriculum in Taiwan, saying the so-called "education reform" over the past two decades was guided by a "de-Sinicization" principle.

Zhu said the teacher voiced the concerns of many educators, parents, and experts in Taiwan, adding that the unpopular actions of the DPP authority are bound to face even stronger opposition from compatriots on both sides of the Strait.

READ MORE: Mainland: DPP politician's talk of dialogue not sincere

Any acts of "de-Sinicization" cannot alter the ingrained Chinese cultural and national identity in Taiwan society, nor can they sever the historical connections and bonds of kinship across the Strait, said the spokesperson. 

Cross-Strait relations

Zhu also stressed the significance of upholding the 1992 Consensus, speaking ahead of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of comprehensive and direct two-way mail, transport and trade links across the Taiwan Strait, which falls on Dec 15.

Cross-Strait relations achieved a major transition in 2008 as direct and two-way links for mail service, transport and trade were fully established between the two sides

"In the past 15 years, the 'three links' between the two sides have facilitated the flow of people, goods and capital, which has been instrumental in fostering extensive interactions across the Strait and has played an important role in enhancing shared interests," said Zhu, at a press conference.This clearly demonstrates that upholding the 1992 Consensus can foster deeper exchanges and cooperation, ensuring brighter prospects for developing cross-Strait relations and improving the well-being of Taiwan compatriots, she noted.

Cross-Strait relations achieved a major transition in 2008 as direct and two-way links for mail service, transport and trade were fully established between the two sides.

READ MORE: Mainland slams DPP obstruction of cross-Strait exchanges

However, the DPP authorities disrupted the foundation of peaceful development in cross-Strait relations, causing harm to the institutionalized economic cooperation and the welfare of people in Taiwan, Zhu said.

She noted that only by returning to the common political foundation of the 1992 Consensus can cross-Strait relations be fundamentally improved. This can help expand the spillover effects of the cross-Strait "three links," allowing more people from both sides, particularly those in Taiwan, to enjoy the dividends of peaceful cross-Strait development, according to the spokesperson.