Cross-Strait dialogue must be conducted based on one-China principle: mainland spokesperson

BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday said that cross-Strait dialogue and consultations must naturally be conducted on the basis of the one-China principle, as both the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China, and Taiwan is part of China.

From 2008 to 2016, cross-Strait talks resumed based on the 1992 Consensus that embodies the one-China principle, resulting in a series of agreements and multiple consensuses, said Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

However, since the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) came to power in 2016, it has refused to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus, bringing cross-Strait communication and consultations to a standstill, Chen said at a regular press conference, when asked to comment on remarks by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te, who claimed that cross-Strait dialogue should be conducted "on equal terms."

Cross-Strait consultations and negotiations can be resumed as long as the DPP authorities return to upholding the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, and stop "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, Chen said, noting that otherwise, such talks would be nothing but empty words.

The future of Taiwan and the well-being of the Taiwan compatriots hinge on the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the reunification of the motherland, Chen added.