BEIJING,June 25 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson Wednesday welcomed the decision of Taiwan authorities to allow mainland-based Xinhua News Agency and People's Daily to reopen correspondent stations on the island.

"The rude and unreasonable practices of the Taiwan authorities led by Chen Shui-bian three years ago have finally been corrected, " said Fan Liqing, spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, at a routine press conference.

"We welcome this (decision)," said Fan.

She said that with joint efforts of news circles of the two sides, exchanges in the press sector will be further enhanced to further understanding between people of the two sides and promote peaceful development of relations across the Taiwan Straits.