A mainland spokesperson on April 12 said that all businesses, regardless of their country, region or city, were welcome to join the Xiongan New Area program, as long as their line of work suited the overall industrial plan of the area.

An Fengshan, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks in response to a question about whether enterprises from Taiwan would be able to participate in the development of the new area.

An explained that Xiongan New Area would help advance the integration of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei, also known as Jing-Jin-Ji.

At the news conference, another question was posed regarding the number of mainland travelers to the island.

An said that since last May, the number of travelers from the mainland to Taiwan had dramatically decreased over concerns of safety, after a series of accidents involving tourists.

“Taiwan should reflect,” said An. “We have said many times that the root of the problem must be found for a solution to emerge,” said An.

In response to another question on activities to commemorate the victory of the 14-year Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945), An said that the victory was the result of all Chinese including Taiwanese compatriots.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Japan’s invasion of the whole of China.