Taiwan Affairs Office responds to TV host who said he never backed ‘Taiwan independence'

(ECNS) — Safeguarding China's sovereignty and territorial integrity is a "common obligation" of all Chinese people, including Taiwan compatriots, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said Wednesday.

Chen Binhua made the remarks at a regular news conference, in response to a social media post by Taiwan entertainer and TV host Kevin Tsai who said he had never supported"Taiwan independence."

China always respects and safeguards Taiwan compatriots' legitimate right to freedom of speech and expression, Chen said, stressing that there must be no ambiguity on matters of fundamental importance concerning national sovereignty, security and development interests.

He said he hopes people in Taiwan's entertainment industry would take pride in being "upright Chinese" and do more to strengthen family bonds between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and promote cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation.

Chen stressed that the mainland always welcomes Taiwan compatriots to visit for tourism, family reunions and exchanges. The mainland will continue to support entertainers on both sides of the Taiwan Strait in strengthening exchanges and cooperation, sharing the cross-Strait cultural market and jointly carrying forward Chinese culture, he added.

(By Evelyn)