Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the State Council office for regional affairs, said the election outcome also illustrates the public’s commitment to a good life. She also reiterated Beijing’s willingness to jointly promote peaceful relations.

However, Zhu Fenglian ratified the rejection of Taiwan’s separatism and foreign interference in the matter.

On Saturday’s local elections, the mayors of 21 city halls were contested. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party retained five and the Kuomintang won 13, including the capital Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung and New Taipei.

After the results became known, the leader of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, resigned as the head of the ruling party.

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