BEIJING - China on Wednesday reiterated its opposition to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent meeting with personnel of the authorities of China's Taiwan region, urging Japan to reflect on its historical guilt and adhere to the one-China principle.

"There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is part of China," Zhang Han, a new spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a press conference in response to a media query.

Japan's actions severely violated the one-China principle, the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan, and the basic norms governing international relations, sending an extremely wrong signal to secessionists on the island, said Zhang.

"We express our resolute opposition," she added.

Given Japan's historical crimes and responsibilities regarding the Taiwan question, the spokesperson said Japan in particular should engage in deep reflection on history, abide by the one-China principle and the spirit of the four political documents between the two countries -- and exercise extra prudence when handling matters involving the island.

On Oct 31 and Nov 1, Takaichi posted photos and comments on social media about her meeting and exchange with personnel of the authorities of China's Taiwan region on the sidelines of APEC meetings.

China's foreign ministry said on Saturday that China expresses its firm opposition to the Japanese leader's wrongful comment and action concerning Taiwan and has lodged serious démarches and protests with the Japanese side.

At Wednesday's press conference, Zhang also warned the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan against any attempts to bank on external forces to seek secession, saying that any attempt to split Taiwan from China is wishful thinking.

"Such attempts will only end in even worse failure," she said.

Investigation into Shen Pao-yang

The mainland police's investigation into Shen Pao-yang, a secessionist in Taiwan, is lawful and justified as an action to oppose secession and safeguard national unity, said Zhang.

Those who persistently engage in secessionist activities seeking "Taiwan independence" will be subject to necessary punitive measures and lifelong legal accountability, regardless of their location, Zhang added.

Responding to Taiwan's remarks about the case's jurisdiction, Zhang reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and "Taiwan independence" constitutes a criminal act of secession and betrayal of the nation.

She clarified that such judicial measures target only a few individuals involved in serious secessionist activities and do not affect the vast majority of people in Taiwan.

She said that by deliberately conflating ordinary people with secessionists, Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities aim to intimidate the public, revealing their "fear and sense of insecurity."

Commenting on the DPP authorities' claim that they would enhance protection for secessionists and relevant enterprises and investigate those assisting the mainland, Zhang condemned the DPP for abusing public power to suppress patriots in Taiwan and intimidate the public.

She urged people in Taiwan to be fully aware of the DPP's malicious intentions and oppose its authoritarian policies, and also assured that personal information and legal rights of those providing information on secessionists would be protected.  

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Travel to the mainland

The Chinese mainland always attaches great importance to the opinions and suggestions of its Taiwan compatriots, and is committed to creating convenient conditions for Taiwan residents to travel to the mainland, Zhang said.

From Nov 20, the number of mainland ports authorized to issue single-entry travel permits upon arrival for Taiwan residents will increase to 100, according to the National Immigration Administration.

Zhang told a press conference that Taiwan compatriots can fly or sail directly to the mainland from anywhere in the world and obtain a single-entry permit at their port of entry within 30 minutes. These permits allow a stay of up to three months.

They can also apply for a card-type travel permit valid for five years either through an entry and exit administration at or above the county level on the mainland or through travel agencies in Taiwan, according to Zhang.

"For first-time visitors from Taiwan, permits are issued free of charge and over 1,000 scenic areas are open to them with free admission," Zhang said, noting that the personal information of those who hold these permits will be strictly protected in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

Responding to recent "warnings" from Taiwan's mainland affairs council and the Straits Exchange Foundation about the "risks" of traveling to the mainland, Zhang said that the island's Democratic Progressive Party authorities have deliberately hyped up the issue in an attempt to obstruct and undermine cross-Strait exchange and travel.

"As long as they abide by the law, our Taiwan compatriots can come to the mainland just like coming home -- safely and comfortably," she said.

15th Five-Year Plan

The implementation of the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan will undoubtedly provide more development opportunities for people and businesses from Taiwan, Zhang said.

She added that promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advancing the cause of national reunification have been designated as key components of the recently adopted document of recommendations by the Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership for formulating the plan for national economic and social development between 2026 and 2030.

The mainland's economy enjoys a solid foundation with multiple strengths, strong resilience and vast potential, as its advantages of a super-sized market, a complete industrial system and a rich talent pool become increasingly prominent, Zhang noted.

She said the mainland will advance the building of demonstration zones for cross-Strait integrated development, promote economic collaboration, implement equal treatment policies to create better conditions for Taiwan compatriots to study, work and live on the mainland, and promote the joint inheritance and promotion of Chinese culture.

The mainland encourages and supports more Taiwan compatriots to participate in the mainland's economic and social development, enabling them to share in the opportunities and achievements of Chinese modernization, Zhang emphasized.

According to the spokesperson, 23 Taiwan enterprises are participating in the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), which opened on Wednesday in Shanghai. Their businesses cover industries ranging from food, technical equipment, consumer goods, medical devices and healthcare, to service trade.

"We welcome individuals from all walks of life on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to visit Shanghai for the CIIE and explore business cooperation opportunities," Zhang said.

Noting that the recent plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee proposed to expand opening up and promote innovative development in trade, Zhang said the CIIE represents a significant move by China to open its market and serves as an important platform for helping Taiwan businesses and entrepreneurs share in the fruits of Chinese modernization.

Taiwan enterprises can showcase their products at the CIIE, expand sales channels, engage in extensive business cooperation, and integrate into the new development pattern of the mainland, Zhang added.