Mainland opposes Uygur separatist visiting Taiwan

BEIJING - The Chinese mainland resolutely opposes Rebiya Kadeer, a Uygur separatist, visiting Taiwan and participating in any activities on the island, a spokesperson said Wednesday.

An Fengshan, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks at a press conference while responding to a question regarding the Taiwan Solidarity Union's intention to invite her to Taiwan in March.

"It is a well-known fact that Rebiya Kadeer is among the heads of the separatist 'East Turkistan' forces," An said. "The invitation by the 'Taiwan independence' secessionist force is intended to make trouble and will certainly harm cross-Strait relations."

An also responded to a question regarding the claim by a leader of Taiwan's "New Power Party," who said Taiwan authorities would offer scholarships to some Tibetan people identified by Taiwan as "refugees" to sponsor their study on the island.

An said that "our attitude is very clear, and (we) firmly opposes confusing the refugee issue with the issue of overseas Tibetan compatriots."