BEIJING - A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Friday said authorities are investigating the issue following reports that a relative of a "Taiwan independence" separatist allegedly profited from business activities on the mainland and provided political funding to the separatist.

Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to media reports that a relative of Liu Shih-fang, head of Taiwan's internal affairs body, had invested in and profited from businesses on the mainland and offered political funding support to her.

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The mainland is investigating and handling the issue in accordance with laws and regulations, said Chen.