The Chinese mainland is highly concerned about the outcome of Taiwan's trial of four alleged human smugglers charged with drowning six mainland illegal immigrants, said Li Weiyi, spokesman with the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference, Li said the mainland expected Taiwan authorities to severely punish the "snakeheads" -- human traffickers -- for their alleged crimes and compensate the bereaved families.

The Taiwan authorities should also repatriate the 20 survivors back to the mainland as soon as possible, said the spokesman.

The spokesman made the remarks after the court debate of the trial in Taiwan ended.

The four Taiwanese men being tried attempted to smuggle 26 women from the Chinese mainland to Taiwan Island on two speedboats Aug. 26.

They allegedly threw the women overboard when chased by the Taiwan coast guard. Six of the women drowned. The incident has aroused deep concern from both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

(Xinhua News Agency November 13, 2003)