BEIJING - The Chinese mainland has launched preliminary research for building a bridge linking Xiamen of Fujian Province with Kinmen and another between Fuzhou and Matsu, a spokesperson said Wednesday.

The bridges will meet the needs of people in Kinmen and Matsu, help them benefit from development opportunities in the mainland and advance economic and social integrated development across the Taiwan Straits, said Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesperson with the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, at a press conference.

At a seminar in Fuzhou, capital of Fujian Province, on Oct. 13, experts from two sides of the Strait discussed cross-Straits transport projects including the plans of building the Fuzhou-Matsu and Xiamen-Kinmen bridges, Ma confirmed.

In response to the accusation from Taiwan's mainland affairs department that the bridge plans aim to "split up" Taiwan, Ma said that Taiwan authorities try to undermine cross-Straits economic and cultural exchanges by intentionally containing the development of Kinmen and Matsu, which goes against the will of local people.

The mainland will continue to create a favorable environment for people from Taiwan to work, live and start their careers in the mainland and will listen extensively and carefully to their concerns and needs, Ma said.