"We will adhere to the fundamental policies of peaceful reunification and'one country, two systems,' the eight-point proposal on developing cross-Straits relations and promoting peaceful reunification of the country," Li Weiyi, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at a press conference.

The four-point guideline on cross-Straits relations put forward by Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China(CPC), will also be upheld, he said.

"We have repeatedly stated that we will seek peaceful reunification with our utmost sincerity and effort," he said.

However, Li said,"We will never permit Taiwan independence or anyone to separate Taiwan from China."

"We will continue to unite the compatriots in Taiwan and overseas Chinese to further promote cross-Straits personnel and economic exchanges and cooperation, and promote the early realization of the'three direct links' of the two sides," he said.

According to Li, the Chinese mainland will continue its extensive exchanges and dialogue with the parties, organizations and individuals from various circles in Taiwan that oppose Taiwan's independence, acknowledge the 1992 Consensus, and maintain the development of cross-Straits relations.

"As long as the Taiwan authorities acknowledge the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, cross-Straits dialogue can be resumed and any topic can be discussed," Li said."We have full confidence in the good prospect of cross-Straits relations and peaceful reunification of the motherland."

Joint efforts by compatriots from both sides have reduced pro-independence sentiment in the past year, said Li.

On March 4, 2005, Chinese President Hu Jintao delivered a speech explaining the development of cross-Straits relations in the current environment.

"In the past year, we carried out a series of major activities to safeguard peace and stability in the cross-Straits region and promote the development of cross-Straits relations," he said.

The adoption of the Anti-secession Law by China's top legislature expressed the mainland's sincerity in seeking peaceful reunification and lack of tolerance for Taiwan's independence.

Last year, both Hu Jintao and the CPC Central Committee invited the leaders of the Taiwan-based Chinese Kuomintang and People First Party to visit the mainland, marking a historic step forward in reconciliation between the long-time rivals.

At the same time, the mainland articulated a series of favorable policies and measures for the Taiwan compatriots, said Li.

"All the measures won extensive support from the people across the Straits and acclaim from the international community," he said."The trend of cross-Straits relations toward peace and stability has been enhanced."

"The exchanges and cooperation in such aspects as personnel, economy and culture have also moved forward," he said.

However, he said, pro-independence sentiment has not vanished in Taiwan, perpetuating a source of tension across the Taiwan Straits.

"The situation for opposing and curbing separatist forces and their activities is still serious and complex," he said.

The mainland, he said, is paying special attention to Taiwan's constitutional reform timetable, which is an expression of the pro-independence sentiment. Enditem