Taipei, June 8 -- Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Chairman Frank Wu urged China to abandon its controversial "united front" operations, saying that such tactics, alongside political interference and military provocations, only provoke resentment among the Taiwanese people.

Speaking at the seventh SEF board meeting held in Taipei on Friday, Wu emphasised that "United front" is a commonplace phrase in China; however, people of Taiwan consider it swear words, as it stands for Beijing's efforts to infiltrate and sow division in their nation.

Despite persistent tensions, Wu pointed to a rare point of agreement between leaders in Taipei and Beijing, the mutual desire for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. He said China can ...