BEIJING - A Chinese mainland spokesman on Wednesday called for Taiwan authorities to lift restrictions on mainland students in Taiwan and ensure their due rights and interests.

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks while commenting on Taiwan authorities' deliberation on whether to recognize diplomas from more Chinese universities, lift restrictions in the number of mainland students applicants and the majors they can apply for.

Currently, mainland students are also forbidden from having bonus points on exams, receiving scholarships, doing part-time work during their study or work on the island after graduation.

The spokesman expressed his hope that mainland students can find suitable jobs after they return to the mainland.

"We also hope that they can bring back what they have learned in Taiwan, keep in touch with the local students and make their contribution to cross-Straits relations," he added.

Taiwan universities opened their doors to mainland students in 2011. Over the years, more and more students were enrolled by Taiwan universities due to eased measures by Taiwan authorities. In 2014 alone, more than 2,600 students from the mainland were admitted.

At the press conference, Ma also welcomed entrepreneurs from Taiwan to participate in the mainland's proposed "Belt and Road" initiative and urged Taiwan authorities to give fair market treatment for mainland investors.