Quotable

"These remarks are groundless and created with a specific political stance. They aim to disturb cross-Straits cooperation by inventing and spreading a sense of threat."

Ma Xiaoguang of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said accusations that "the mainland is buying out Taiwan" are baseless and loaded with vile political intent. Ma made his remarks when asked whether the establishment of free economic zones on the island would open doors for mainland funds, laborers, service industries and goods, enabling the mainland to "buy out" the island.