A mainland spokesman on Wednesday called on both sides of the Taiwan Straits to strengthen communication and exchanges based on upholding the 1992 Consensus.

"As long as the common political foundation of the 1992 Consensus is safeguarded, the peaceful development of cross-Straits ties will be expanded," Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a press conference on Wednesday.

He made the remark in response to a reporter's question about whether the formal meetings between the chiefs of cross-Straits affairs will continue next year after the island's leadership election.

To boost cross-Straits exchanges, Ma urged both sides to make joint efforts with "a positive and open attitude" on reaching an agreement allowing mainland travelers to take flights that transfer in Taiwan as soon as possible.

Ma also emphasized the importance of an orderly environment in Taiwan to safeguard the legal rights of mainland tourists at the press conference.

A recent dengue fever outbreak and a politicized social atmosphere before the election in Taiwan have influenced demand by mainland tourists, said Ma, adding that such factors affecting travel are not unusual and have occurred before.

When commenting on the speeches of Andrew Hsia, Taiwan's cross-Straits affairs chief during his visit to historical sites in Guangzhou, Ma expressed the hope of people across the Strait to carry forward the spirit of Sun Yet-sen and work together to promote peaceful development of cross-Straits ties and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.