BEIJING -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday condemned Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for wantonly depriving legitimate rights of people from the mainland who are married to Taiwan residents.

Zhang Han, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's opposition to the Kuomintang's proposed law amendment aimed at safeguarding mainland spouses' right to political participation.

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Mainland spouses are family members and loved ones of Taiwan compatriots, as well as builders and contributors to Taiwan society, Zhang said, adding that they deserve recognition and respect, and their legitimate rights and interests, including the right to political participation, should be safeguarded.

The DPP authorities' suppression and bullying of mainland spouses stem from their secessionist nature, Zhang noted.

She also stressed that the mainland will never spare "Taiwan independence" forces who persecute mainland spouses, and will hold them accountable in accordance with the law.