One-China principle reiterated after speech

In a response to a speech by Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday, Beijing reiterated that recognition of the one-China principle is essential to good cross-Straits relations.

"The one-China principle is the political foundation of cross-Straits relations. The 1992 Consensus embodies the one-China principle and defines the fundamental nature of cross-Straits relations. It thus holds the key to the peaceful development of relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits," Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Thursday.

"We are open to communicate, with the same criteria, with any political party on the island."