BEIJING, June 18 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Thursday reiterated opposition to Taiwan independence.

When asked to comment on the Kuomintang (KMT) party's confirmation of Hung Hsiu-chu's qualification to run for the Taiwan leadership next year, Ma Xiaoguang from the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said the mainland "would not interfere with, nor comment on" the island's election.

Ma, however, said the mainland welcomed all parties and individuals that oppose Taiwan independence, adhere to the "1992 Consensus", and help promote peaceful development of cross-Strait ties.

The KMT said Wednesday it would nominate Hung, deputy head of the island's legislature, to run in the 2016 election, after she secured the public poll vote requirement, with an average rating of 46.2 percent.