The Chinese mainland Wednesday expressed once again its resolute opposition to the Dalai Lama's visit to Taiwan.

"We resolutely oppose the Dalai Lama's visit to Taiwan in any form and in any status," Yang Yi, State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman, told a press conference here.

Yang said that the recent visit of the Dalai Lama to the island at the invitation of some members of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) had hurt cross-Straits relations and incurred public opposition and condemnation in Taiwan.

He said the mainland would "respond positively" to the DPP as long as the latter give up its pro-independence stance.

"We welcome members of the DPP to visit the mainland and enhance their understanding (of the mainland)."

He said it is hoped that Taiwan will cherish a hard-won situation of cross-Straits relations and ward off any negative influence as soon as possible.

When responding to a reporter's question if the allegedly scheduled showing of a documentary about Rebiya Kadeer in the upcoming Kaohsiung Film Festival would cause any damage to cross-Straits relations, Yang said the mainland wishes to see no more incidents that would harm the peaceful development of relations.

"Facts and evidence have proved, the serious violent and criminal activities in Urumqi on July 5, in which 197 people were killed and more than 1700 injured, was led and instigated by overseas separatist forces led by Rebiya Kadeer," he said.

Peaceful development of cross-Straits relations accords with the common interests of both sides, Yang said, expressing the hope that both sides of the Taiwan Straits would continue to make efforts to push for the advancement of peaceful relations.

He also pledged that the mainland would continue its efforts to aid the rehabilitation of typhoon-hit Taiwan if asked.

(Xinhua News Agency September 16, 2009)