BEIJING -- A State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson on Wednesday assured Taiwan compatriots in the zone affected by the Palestine-Israel conflict that they would receive overseas consular protection similar to that of mainland people.

Zhu Fenglian made the remarks while responding to a question on what assistance the mainland would provide to Taiwan compatriots who are in the affected zone or intend to evacuate from there.

Emphasizing that Taiwan compatriots are Chinese citizens, the same as mainland people, Zhu said the motherland stands as a firm support for them.

She assured that the same level of overseas consular protection would be extended to Taiwan compatriots as provided to mainland people.

Zhu stated that relevant authorities would closely monitor the development of the situation regarding the conflict between Palestine and Israel, and make every effort to assist Chinese citizens, including Taiwan compatriots.

In times of difficulty or when facing threats to life and property overseas, overseas Taiwan compatriots are urged to contact Chinese embassies and consulates abroad for assistance.

"'Taiwan independence' means war," Zhu said. "We hope that our fellow Taiwan compatriots will cherish peace in the Taiwan Strait as they cherish their own eyes, oppose separatist activities seeking 'Taiwan independence' in the same way they oppose war."