The Chinese mainland will firmly defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, combat "Taiwan independence" separatism and foreign interference, and safeguard the peaceful and prosperous homeland of the Chinese nation in the new year, a senior official said.

Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks in a New Year message published on Thursday in the Relations Across the Taiwan Strait magazine.

Song mentioned that in 2024, the mainland firmly grasped the initiative and leadership in cross-Strait relations, extensively united with all sectors of Taiwan society to jointly maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

He highlighted that strong actions were made to safeguard the common homeland of both sides, deter "Taiwan independence" separatism and external forces' attempts to use Taiwan to contain the development of the mainland.

Looking ahead to 2025, Song said the Chinese people will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery from Japanese occupation.

He called on compatriots on both sides to shoulder historical responsibilities and strive hand in hand for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the complete reunification of the motherland.