'Cross-Strait ties unchanged by Taiwan elections'
A spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said the region's leadership and legislative elections "will not change the basic landscape and development trend of cross-Strait relations, will not alter the shared aspiration of compatriots across the Taiwan Strait to forge closer ties, and will not impede the inevitable trend of China's reunification". According to Xinhua News Agency, Chen Binhua also said the poll results revealed that the Democratic Progressive Party cannot represent the mainstream public opinion on the island. "Our stance on resolving the Taiwan question and realising national reunification remains consistent, and our determination is as firm as rock," Chen said. "We will adhere to the 1992 Consensus that embodies the one-China principle and firmly oppose the separatist activities aimed at 'Taiwan independence' as well as foreign interference." Chen also said the mainland will work with relevant political parties, groups and people from various sectors in Taiwan to boost cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, enhance cross-Strait integrated development, jointly promote Chinese culture, and advance the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations as well as the cause of national reunification. William Lai of the Democratic Progressive Party finished first in the leadership race, with Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang second and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People's Party third. Both Hou and Ko conceded defeat earlier. (Reporting by Xinhua)