A Chinese mainland spokesman said Monday that Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party's separatist stance has prevented Taiwan from participating in the upcoming World Health Assembly in Geneva.

Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to media inquiries following Taiwan's absence from the 79th World Health Assembly. He said the situation stems from the DPP's political manipulation in pursuing "Taiwan independence" under the guise of participation.

Chen said the international community continues to adhere to the one-China principle.

"Our position on the participation of China's Taiwan region in World Health Organization activities has been consistent and clear: it must be handled in accordance with the one-China principle," he said.

Taiwan participated in the World Health Assembly as an observer under the designation "Chinese Taipei" from 2009 to 2016, based on the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle. He said the arrangement was reached through cross-Strait consultations.

Chen said the DPP's refusal to recognize the 1992 Consensus and its insistence on a "Taiwan independence" stance have undermined the political basis for Taiwan's participation in the assembly.

He described the DPP's actions as "deceptive" and "provocative" and said such moves would be opposed by people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and by the international community.

"We have always cared about the health and well-being of Taiwan compatriots and have made appropriate arrangements for Taiwan's participation in global health affairs," Chen said. He also criticized the DPP for maintaining a confrontational stance and relying on external support in pursuing its agenda.

Chen said adherence to the one-China principle reflects broad international consensus. He added that the DPP's approach would continue to face setbacks internationally.