A senior Chinese mainland official, Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, stated on Thursday that the mainland will collaborate with the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) to enhance cross-Strait exchanges and oppose foreign interference in Taiwan affairs. This announcement came during a meeting with a visiting group led by Hsia Li-yan, vice-chairman of the KMT in Shanghai.

Emphasizing the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" as the common political foundation, Song highlighted that the mainland and the KMT will work together to strengthen party-to-party relations and cross-Strait relations. Their joint efforts will focus on facilitating cross-Strait exchanges, opposing "Taiwan independence" and external interference, safeguarding peace in the Taiwan Strait, benefiting compatriots on both sides, promoting national reunification, and contributing to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Song added, "We will never tolerate or condone the malicious acts of the Democratic Progressive Party authorities, which disregard the safety and property of mainland fishermen and harm the feelings of compatriots on both sides."

Two fishermen from Fujian province drowned when their boat capsized after being bumped by a vessel of the Taiwan authorities which was chasing it from waters near Kinmen Island.

On behalf of the KMT, Hsia expressed condolences to the families of the two fishermen. He extended sympathies to the families and pledged to facilitate a prompt investigation to uncover the truth and handle the aftermath appropriately.

The KMT is willing to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, promote exchanges and dialogue, and facilitate the positive development of cross-Strait relations while upholding the common political foundation of the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence," he said.

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