BEIJING, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- The mainland welcomes compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to provide clues on illegal activities of 18 core members of the Taiwan military's "psychological warfare unit," a spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to a media query regarding a recent bounty notice issued by police in Xiamen, Fujian Province, for such clues.

It is hoped that compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait will actively provide clues, firmly oppose any form of "Taiwan independence" separatist acts, and be resolutely committed to safeguarding national unification, Zhu told reporters.

The mainland public security authorities' move represents a concrete action to implement a central government document on punishing "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and a just move to safeguard the common interests of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, Zhu said.

Taiwan is part of China, Zhu noted, adding that anyone who endangers the country's sovereignty, security, and development interests will not escape the punishment of national laws.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan have manipulated the "psychological warfare unit" to smear and attack the mainland, spread the fallacy of "Taiwan independence," and incite separatist activities against the country.

"The facts are clear, and the evidence is conclusive," said the spokesperson.

Recently, mainland media named five Taiwan enterprises as supporters for the "psychological warfare unit." The DPP authorities claimed that the mainland is attempting to "intimidate" Taiwan businesses.

In response, Zhu said the mainland's lawful crackdown on such illegal activities is a just and necessary move to safeguard national security and the legitimate rights and interests of the people and enterprises.