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China book proves

Taiwan part of

mainland

BEIJING: China hailed on Tuesday a new book it has published on the history of Taiwan, saying it proved China's sovereignty over the island Beijing regards as a renegade province.

"The book provides detailed historical data showing that compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Strait jointly created the splendid history and culture of the Chinese nation," Xinhua news agency quoted a senior Taiwan affairs official as saying.

China was committed to "ending Taiwan's separation from the mainland and achieving complete reunification of China," said Wang Zhaoguo, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, or cabinet.

"The book will be of great help for people to acquire a correct understanding of Taiwan's history and strengthen their resolve to reunify the motherland," Xinhua quoted Cai Zimin, chairman of the Communist Party-backed central committee of the Taiwan Democratic Self-government League, as saying.

The book, "Essentials of Taiwan History", was compiled by Chinese historians and Taiwan specialists over two years, Xinhua said. It did not say whether scholars from Taiwan were involved in the project.

China has considered Taiwan a rebel province since the Communists won the civil war in 1949 and the defeated Nationalists fled to the island. Beijing angrily condemns any signs that the island is pursuing independence. -Reuter