BEIJING - A senior Chinese official stressed that studying and implementing the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thought on Taiwan affairs will be a primary political task at present and for years to come.

Vice Premier Wang Yang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks at an annual meeting of central and local officials in charge of Taiwan affairs, which was held in Beijing from Thursday to Friday.

The thought on Taiwan affairs is an important part of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and serves as a basic principle and guide to action for the work on Taiwan affairs in the new era, Wang said.

He urged efforts to uphold Xi thought on Taiwan affairs for the long term and make new accomplishments in the new era.

The work on Taiwan affairs has withstood major tests and witnessed important progress while ensuring stability, Wang said.

He also stressed improving economic and cultural cooperation and deepening the integration of economic and social development across the Taiwan Strait.

While noting situation across the Strait at present becomes more complicated and grim, and will remain so for some time to come, Wang said the work on Taiwan affairs face challenges.

"The Chinese mainland will uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus and resolutely oppose and deter separatist elements advocating 'Taiwan independence' in any form," he said.

More policies will be adopted to help Taiwanese compatriots in studying, starting businesses, working and living in the mainland and to help them enjoy the same treatment as local people.

"We should remain true to our original aspiration, keep our mission firmly in mind, and fully implement the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee," Wang said.

He called for promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and making new contribution to advancing the process toward the peaceful reunification of China.

Wang stressed the importance of upholding centralized and unified leadership of the CPC in handling Taiwan-related affairs, exercising strict Party governance, improving conduct and building integrity in building a high-quality workforce responsible for Taiwan-related affairs.

The meeting was presided over by State Councilor Yang Jiechi.

Zhang Zhijun, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, delivered a work report at the meeting.