A Chinese official expressed hope Wednesday in Beijing that Taiwan can preserve its stability amid protests demanding the resignation of the island's leader Chen Shui-bian.

Li Weiyi, spokesman of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at a news briefing "We have taken note of relevant reports" from local media about the protest, and "We do not want to see unfortunate events occur."

"Taiwan compatriots are our flesh and blood," Li said. "We sincerely hope Taiwan can enjoy social stability and economic development, and that its residents can live in peace and contentment."

Li added that Chinese people on mainland, together with Taiwan compatriots, would continue to strictly oppose "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces, while maintaining cross-Straits peace and stability, and pushing cross-Straits relations in a peaceful and stable direction.

The mass protest against Chen Shui-bian started on Saturday when more than 300,000 people took to the streets in Taipei to voice their contempt for Chen and his family members, who are accused of taking bribes and influence peddling.

Source: Xinhua