Chinese premier stresses peaceful development of cross-Strait relations

BEIJING, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Premier Li Keqiang said Wednesday the Chinese mainland's stance of opposing "Taiwan independence" and promoting peaceful development of cross-Strait relations is consistent and clear-cut.

Li made the remarks while addressing a press conference after the conclusion of the annual session of China's national legislature.

"No matter how the situation on the island may evolve, the fraternal bond between the mainland and Taiwan will not be severed, the history and the reality that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China will not be changed, and our resolve and sincerity in safeguarding the peaceful development of the cross-Strait relations will not waver," Li said.

He said the Chinese mainland will continue to uphold the 1992 Consensus, which acknowledges that the Chinese mainland and Taiwan belong to one China, as the political foundation for the cross-Strait relations.

While vowing resolute opposition against "Taiwan independence," Li said the well-being of the people across the Strait will be promoted.

More policies will be introduced to help Taiwan people find jobs, create businesses, work and live on the mainland, he said.

"We will continue to provide favorable policies so that Taiwan businesses and Taiwan compatriots can share opportunities of development with the mainland," he said. "Anyway, we are one family."