BEIJING – A first-class military and powerful national defense are crucial to thwarting any attempt to split China, a mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday.

At a regular press conference of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, spokesperson Chen Binhua made the remarks when asked to comment on Taiwan compatriots' positive feedback in response to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's open-day events, held last week in cities including Qingdao, to mark its 77th anniversary.

Chen said these open activities showcased the PLA Navy's latest achievements and its firm will, determination and strong capability to safeguard territorial waters and airspace, and defend national sovereignty.

He added that the heartfelt remarks made by visitors from Taiwan reflect a shared sentiment across the Taiwan Strait - only a first-class military and powerful national defense can serve as the most reliable safeguards for all Chinese people at home and abroad, and as a sharp weapon to defeat any separatist attempt.

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The spokesperson also stressed that peaceful reunification will bring greater stability and growth opportunities to the business and investment environment in Taiwan.

The mainland economy, which grew at an average annual rate of 5.4 percent over the past five years, would rejuvenate Taiwan's economy through its vast market of over 1.4 billion people, according to Chen.

"Peaceful reunification will be an unprecedented opportunity for Taiwan's economic development," he noted.

Chen said that following peaceful reunification, trade across the Taiwan Strait would further expand, and industrial and supply chains on both sides of the Strait would be more deeply integrated.

Resources from the mainland will facilitate upgrades of both traditional and emerging industries on the island, while individuals will also gain more employment and entrepreneurial opportunities via smoother cross-Strait exchanges, he added. 

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Asked about a recent poll showing that 55.2 percent of respondents believe it is difficult for Taiwan to "maintain the status quo", the spokesperson pointed out that the existing social system and way of life in Taiwan will be fully respected after peaceful reunification, on the premise of ensuring national sovereignty, security and development interests.

The poll also revealed that 67.4 percent of the respondents are worried about losing their current way of life and rights if the status quo across the Taiwan Strait cannot be maintained.

Chen said the poll showed that more people in Taiwan have realized that the trend of national reunification is irresistible.

"We are willing to, on the common political basis of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing 'Taiwan independence‘, have broad and in-depth consultation with all political parties, sectors, and people from all walks of life in Taiwan on cross-Strait relations and national reunification," he said.