Taiwan has itself to blame for failing to attend int'l events: spokesperson

BEIJING -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson said Wednesday that Taiwan's refusal to adhere to the 1992 Consensus is the crucial reason for its problems in participating in international affairs.

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks at a regular press conference when answering a question about Taiwan's failure to participate in the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Germany.

Taiwan authorities refuse to adhere to the 1992 Consensus, which has led to the suspension of communication with the mainland and made it impossible for the two sides to solve problems, Ma said.

"The Taiwan side should reflect on its own mistake, rather than falsely accuse the mainland," he said.

Ma said the mainland has always firmly opposed any country it has diplomatic relations with to sign any agreement with Taiwan that implies the island is a sovereign country.

The mainland and Taiwan belong to the same China and the handling of relevant affairs must strictly follow this principle, Ma said when answering a question about Taiwan's plans to draft a law on mutual aid in international criminal justice.