Official: Taiwan's choices respected

Mainland authorities are respectful of the Taiwan people's choice of social system and lifestyle, said the mainland's chief official on Taiwan affairs.

The mainland and Taiwan have evolved with different social systems, values, thoughts and lifestyles after decades of development, and mainland authorities respect those differences, said Zhang Zhijun, director of State Council Taiwan Affairs Office.

Zhang made the remarks during a meeting with Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu in Taiwan on Friday morning.