The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, 17 May, held a regular news conference on the morning of 17 May. Spokesman Ma Xiaoguang answered questions raised by reporters on recent hot issues between the two sides of the strait. The reporter asked that Hou Youyi said a few days ago that he opposes "Taiwan independence" and does not agree with "one country, two systems." Do you have any comment on this? Ma Xiaoguang said: "Taiwan independence" harms the common interests of compatriots on both sides of the strait and the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, and is an impassable road. Only by eliminating the scourge of "Taiwan independence" can there be peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and Taiwan compatriots can live and work in peace and contentment. Different systems are not an obstacle to unity, let alone an excuse for division. Our adherence to the basic principle of "peaceful reunification and one country, two systems" is to take care of Taiwan's actual situation and safeguard the interests and well-being of Taiwan compatriots. On the common political basis of adhering to the "1992 consensus" and opposing "Taiwan independence," we are willing to work with people from all walks of life on the island and the broad masses of Taiwan compatriots to jointly promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. (Chinanews.com)