Zheng Lizhong, deputy director of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a trade and economic cooperation forum held in eastern Chinese city of Nanchang that the two sides across the Strait had tightened economic ties with concerted efforts by people on both the mainland and Taiwan.

“Facts proved that closer economic ties benefit economic development in both the mainland and Taiwan as well as common prosperity, which meets basic interests of people across the Strait,” Zheng said.

“At a time full of opportunities and challenges, we sincerely hope Taiwan compatriots, together with us, will prevent Taiwan independence activities, including a referendum on joining the United Nations under the name of Taiwan, in order to safeguard cross-Strait peace and create a situation of peaceful development.”

Zheng hoped people across the Strait would work together to strengthen exchanges and cooperation and to rejuvenate the Chinese nation.

The trade and economic forum attracted leading Taiwan figures, such as Yok Mu-ming, chairman of the Taiwan New Party, Chung Jung-chi, honorary vice chairman of the People First Party, and business people.