BEIJING -- The Chinese mainland welcomes Taiwanese people who are committed to boosting the development of cross-Strait ties, including grassroots members of the Democratic Progress Party (DPP), a mainland government spokeswoman said Wednesday.

Fan Liqing, a spokeswoman with the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remark at a regular press conference in response to a question of whether DPP members will be allowed to visit the mainland.

Fan said their visits can promote mutual exchanges and give Taiwan people a glimpse into the progress and development of the mainland, as well as help them understand the mainland's policies.

Fan added that the mainland unswervingly opposes the DPP's advocacy of "Taiwanese independence," as it goes against the fundamental interests of Taiwanese residents and cross-Strait relations.