BEIJING, Feb. 28 (Xinhuanet) -- The Chinese mainland on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitments to Taiwan compatriots, saying the mainland will make the utmost efforts with the most sincerity to protect their rights in any circumstances.

    "We'll promote cross-Straits personnel exchanges and economic and cultural exchanges and advance the process of direct links of mail, shipping and trade," said a statement jointly issued by the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

    It said the mainland will work with Taiwan compatriots to safeguard and promote the peaceful and steady development of cross-Straits relations and to strive for peaceful reunification.

    "We resolutely oppose 'Taiwan independence' and will never allow 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces to secede Taiwan from the motherland under any name or by any means," the statement said.

    Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian announced in Taipei Monday afternoon a decision to cease the function of the "National Unification Council" and application of the "National Unification Guidelines." The action is seen as a dangerous move toward "Taiwan independence." Enditem