The election of a new leader in Taiwan can not change the fact that Taiwan is part of Chinese territory, according to a Chinese government statement issued on March 18 evening.

There is only one China, and Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory, says the statement released by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

The "One China" principle is the prerequisite for peaceful reunification. "Taiwan independence" in whatever form will never be allowed, the statement says.

"We should listen to what the new leader in Taiwan says and watch what he does. We will observe where he will lead cross-Straits relations."

"We are willing to exchange views on cross-Straits relations and peaceful reunification with all parties, organizations, and personages in Taiwan who favor the "One China" principle. We appeal to Taiwan compatriots to combine their efforts with ours to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the motherland, protect the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, and realize the complete reunification of the motherland," concludes the statement.