A Chinese mainland spokesman has highlighted the 1992 Consensus as the political foundation of peaceful development of cross-Straits relations, stressing that only by sticking to and defending it can relations enjoy steady and long-term development.

Ma Xiaoguang of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office made the remarks on Thursday after newly-elected Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen said in an interview that she respected the fact that the mainland and Taiwan reached some common acknowledgements and understanding in 1992.

In the interview, Tsai also called for both sides to cherish and defend the status quo and results achieved through more than 20 years of exchanges and negotiations.

When asked about his comments on Tsai's interview, Ma said though the mainland and Taiwan have not been unified since 1949, the fact that the two sides belong to one China has never changed and cannot be changed, adding the mainland has taken note of the report.

Highlighting the 1992 Consensus as the political foundation of peaceful development of cross-Straits relations, Ma said "both sides belong to one China" is its core implication.

Taiwan's outgoing leader Ma Ying-jeou also underlined the 1992 Consensus on Thursday, saying it has helped provide a sound environment for its development.