BEIJING - Both sides of the Taiwan Straits should recall their historic links to help create "peaceful cross-Straits development and a great revival of the Chinese nation," a spokesman said on Wednesday.

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said during a recent press conference the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression was about the entire nation rousing to resist aggression, laying great foundation for the nation's independence and dignity.

Both sides of the Straits recently held various forms of memorial activities marking the 69th anniversary of the victory against Japanese aggressors.

On a "peaceful neutralism" referendum advocated by Lu Hsiu-Lien (Annette Lu) of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party, Ma said, "It is well-known that we are absolutely against 'Taiwan Independence'."

The mainland welcomes all suggestions conducive to cross-Straits relations, he said, responding to suggestions the Communist Party of China and the Kuomintang should sign a "reconciliation declaration" before the two sides start political consultation.

Cross-Straits relations have greatly improved since 2008, with the best period in six decades, Ma said, saying the mainland is confident about future prospects for cross-Straits relations.