BEIJING, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson Wednesday denounced the practices by some politicians in Taiwan to instigate hostility between the mainland and Taiwan to build up cross-Strait tensions for their own election interests.

An Fengshan, a spokesperson with the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, criticized recent provocative statements made by some "big shots" on the island.

"They are grifting for their own pathetic election interests, periling the cross-Strait peace and the welfare of Taiwan compatriots," An said.

The spokesperson said the mainland is always firm in maintaining and promoting the welfare of Taiwan compatriots and helping them achieve greater and better development, while the Democratic Progressive Party authority is doing exactly the opposite.

"We resolutely oppose and deter 'Taiwan independence' forces, in a bid to safeguard the common interests of all Chinese people, including the 23 million Taiwan compatriots," he said, noting that "Taiwan independence" is the biggest threat to cross-Strait peace and stability and the biggest detriment to the interests of the people on both sides of the Strait.