China Says Desire for Peace and Cooperation Across Taiwan Strait Cannot Be Suppressed

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council has said that public opinion in Taiwan favoring peace, development, exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait cannot be suppressed.

The remarks were made by spokesperson Zhang Han at a regular press conference on June 10 in response to a question about a recent public opinion survey in Taiwan.

A journalist referred to a survey conducted by Taiwan’s “Democracy, Culture and Education Foundation,” which showed that more than 60 percent of respondents in Taiwan support active peace talks with the mainland, while nearly 70 percent believe cross-Strait relations should be improved and peace should be achieved.

The question also noted that public opinion on the island appears to be shifting from the issue of “reunification or independence” toward a choice between “war and peace,” especially among the younger generation.

In response, Zhang said the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan society in favor of peace, development, exchanges and cooperation is clear and cannot be suppressed.

He said the survey once again proves that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese and belong to one family.

According to Zhang, people on both sides hope to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, improve and develop cross-Strait relations, and create better lives for the people.

Zhang said the future of the motherland and the nation depends on the younger generation. He added that more and more people in Taiwan, especially young people, are coming to understand that Taiwan’s development, the interests of Taiwan compatriots, the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, national reunification and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation are closely connected.

He said China welcomes and supports more frequent exchanges among young people from both sides of the Strait, greater mutual understanding and joint efforts to move forward together.

Zhang stressed that the future of cross-Strait relations must be firmly held in the hands of the Chinese people themselves.

He said maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, expanding dialogue and cooperation, and creating an environment for shared development represent the real aspirations of people on both sides.