BEIJING - The Chinese mainland holds a positive and open attitude toward cross-Straits intercity exchanges with Taiwan as long as there is correct understanding of the nature of cross-Strait relations and city-to-city exchanges.

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks Saturday in response to questions about an interview with Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, who made remarks on the annual city forum between Shanghai and Taipei, as well as the mainland-Taiwan relations.

Ko had said he would work actively to facilitate the exchanges between Taipei and Shanghai as long as the exchanges benefit people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and are conducive to peaceful development across the strait.

Ma said the mainland had taken note of the reports of the interview. He said Shanghai and Taipei will take care of detailed arrangements for the annual city forum.