Author: Taiwan Security Monitor

At the January 14 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked: Lai Ching-te recently said that Taiwan is “facing increasingly severe threats from external hostile forces” and must firmly carry out “counter–united front work, counter-infiltration, and counter-annexation.” He also said that in the 2026 “nine-in-one” local elections, the two elections in 2028, and even in every future election on the island, “external hostile forces will intervene.” What is your comment?

TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded that whenever there are elections on the island, the Democratic Progressive Party’s habitual trick is to attack and smear the mainland and manipulate the slogan “resist China, protect Taiwan” in order to seek political self-interest. Such sinister intentions and despicable practices have long been seen through. They will not deceive the people of Taiwan and will only earn their contempt.

At the January 14 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked: The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have recently passed four draft amendments related to security as well as revisions to the “Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area.” Public opinion on the island has pointed out that these are concrete steps to push forward Lai Ching-te’s so-called “17 strategies,” aimed at further restricting cross-Strait exchanges. Behind this is the DPP authorities’ political calculation to achieve “martial law on speech” and “martial law on the internet.” What is your comment?

TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded that Lai Ching-te’s so-called “17 strategies” completely go against the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan that wants peace, development, exchange, and cooperation, and fully prove that he is a “destroyer of cross-Strait peace” and a “maker of Taiwan Strait crises.”

She said that the DPP authorities’ recent actions have sinister intentions and seek to open the door wide for further creating “green terror,” plotting “Taiwan independence authoritarianism,” and undermining cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation. These reprehensible actions that are anti-peace, anti-exchange, anti-democracy, and anti-humanity will inevitably be opposed and are doomed to fail.

At the January 14 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked: The Taiwan Affairs Office recently announced that Liu Shifang and Cheng Yingyao have been listed as “diehard Taiwan independence” elements, and that Chen Shuyi has been listed as a “Taiwan independence” enforcer and accomplice. In response, Lai Ching-te said that he is “proud of anyone subjected to China’s cross-border repression” and that he will “absolutely not allow China’s hand to reach into Taiwan.” What is your comment?

TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglian replied that Taiwan is China’s Taiwan. “Taiwan independence” elements split the country and undermine cross-Strait relations, and China will take all necessary punitive measures against them and hold them legally accountable for life. The more frenzied “Taiwan independence” elements become as they head down the dead-end road of separatism, the tighter the noose against separatism will be drawn. What awaits them will be the judgment of justice and the fate of total disgrace and ruin.

At the January 14 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked: U.S. President Donald Trump recently said in an interview with The New York Times that China believes Taiwan is part of China’s territory and that how the Taiwan question is handled is for China to decide, which has drawn attention on the island. Some public opinion in Taiwan says that the United States has once again made clear a position of “abandoning Taiwan.” What is your comment?

TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China. The Taiwan question is China’s internal affair. Resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese people themselves, and China will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

At the January 14 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked: The United States recently sent troops to forcibly take control of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and deport them, which has drawn widespread attention in Taiwan. Time magazine published an article saying that what Taiwan should really worry about is that U.S. attention will be consumed by Venezuela, thereby losing the United States as its “backer”; and that China does not need any international “precedent” to take action on its own territory. What is your comment on this?

TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded that Taiwan is a part of China. The Taiwan question is China’s internal affair, and resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese people themselves and a just cause to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Outsiders cannot be relied upon.” The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities’ attempt to “seek independence by relying on external forces” will only end up with them becoming “discarded pawns” of external forces.

At the January 14 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked: The New York Times recently reported that people familiar with the matter said the United States is close to reaching a trade agreement with Taiwan, under which U.S. tariffs on imports from Taiwan would be lowered to 15 percent, and TSMC would make additional investments in Arizona to build at least five more semiconductor plants. Figures and public opinion in Taiwan have questioned whether the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities are “trading investment for tariffs,” which would lead to top-tier semiconductor production capacity moving to the United States and turn TSMC into “U.S. TSMC.” What is your comment?

TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded that the so-called agreement is an act of economic plunder by the United States against Taiwan using high tariffs as leverage, and a scheme to “bleed” Taiwan’s industries. This not only exposes the selfish nature of “America First,” but also lays bare the malicious intent of the United States in treating Taiwan as a pawn.

She said that when faced with the blatant bullying and plunder by external forces, the DPP authorities not only offer no resistance, but instead actively cater to them, treating the island’s core technological advantages as a “pledge of allegiance” to ingratiate themselves with outside forces. In tariff negotiations they “kneel before even negotiating,” and in the face of economic extortion they “offer the other cheek after being slapped.” The more “contracts of selling oneself” they sign, the more they will ultimately destroy Taiwan’s economic development prospects and harm the long-term interests of the people of Taiwan.

At the January 14 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked: Previously, the spokesperson mentioned that after the “TAO Spokesperson” Facebook account was launched, some Taiwanese netizens left messages hoping for help in finding relatives on the mainland. What progress has been made so far?

TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglian replied that since the “TAO Spokesperson” Facebook account was launched in October 2025, it has attracted a great deal of attention from people in Taiwan, many of whom hope to obtain assistance through this platform. Recently, they have received messages from nearly 10 Taiwanese netizens asking for help in finding their relatives on the mainland.

She said they take every request for help seriously and have coordinated with relevant local Taiwan Affairs Offices to quickly contact and communicate with the Taiwanese netizens, verify the details, and actively push forward the family-search efforts. Thanks to the joint efforts of multiple parties, there is now good news to report: the Taiwan Affairs Offices at the Hubei Province, Huanggang City, and Huangmei County levels worked together and have helped one of the Taiwanese netizens find a long-lost relative in Huangmei. They are currently communicating and arranging matters for him to return to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors.

Compatriots on both sides of the Strait are one family bound by blood. When Taiwan compatriots come to look for relatives, the Taiwan Affairs Office will certainly help! (in Hakka). Compatriots on both sides of the Strait are one family—visit often and keep your hearts connected! (in Minnan). They welcome more Taiwan compatriots to follow the “TAO Spokesperson” Facebook account. They will also continue to strengthen information release and services, and provide practical help and support for Taiwan compatriots who come to the mainland to search for relatives and roots, and to conduct exchanges and visits.

At the January 14 press conference of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, a reporter asked that in recent years, films, television productions, and games produced in the mainland have become increasingly popular among Taiwan residents, especially young people in Taiwan, and requested the spokesperson to introduce the relevant situation.

TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded that in recent years, the mainland’s film, television, gaming, and other cultural industries have flourished, with a steady stream of high-quality works that have been widely welcomed both at home and abroad. Outstanding products that integrate traditional cultural elements with modern innovation and fashion are especially popular among people on the island, particularly young people.

It is understood that the first AIGC animated feature film, Reunion Order (《团圆令》), will be released nationwide in the near future. The film is based on the animated IP characters “Tuanzai” and “Yuanniu,” which are modeled on the giant pandas “Tuantuan” and “Yuanyuan” gifted by the mainland to Taiwan compatriots. It tells the story of “Tuanzai” and “Yuanniu,” who endure many hardships before finally reuniting, vividly interpreting the deep bond between compatriots on both sides of the Strait and the spirit of unity, perseverance, and self-reliance. Everyone is welcome to watch it when it is released.

In addition, the game Wuthering Waves (《鸣潮》) is an action game centered on Eastern aesthetics. Because of its rich Chinese cultural foundations, refined storytelling, and innovative gameplay, it has been well received by young people and gaming enthusiasts in Taiwan, and has repeatedly ranked among the top ten on Taiwan’s overall charts, showcasing the innovative strength and cultural appeal of mainland games.

From Nezha to Reunion Order, and from Black Myth: Wukong to Wuthering Waves, many mainland films, television works, and games have helped Taiwan’s youth deepen their understanding of the profound heritage of Chinese culture and continuously strengthen their identification with and confidence in Chinese culture. We welcome Taiwan youth to actively participate in the development of the mainland’s film, television, and gaming industries, and support industry on both sides of the Strait in strengthening exchanges and cooperation and jointly expanding and strengthening the Chinese nation’s cultural and creative industries.

At the January 7 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, spokesperson Chen Binhua announced that the mainland has designated Liu Shifang and Cheng Yingyao as “diehard Taiwan independence” elements, and Chen Shuyi as a “Taiwan independence” enforcer and accomplice.

Chen Binhua said that he was announcing two decisions by the mainland. First, Liu Shifang and Cheng Yingyao are being designated as “diehard Taiwan independence” elements and will be punished in accordance with the law. Compatriots on both sides of the Strait share the same roots, culture, and heritage, and the common aspiration of people on both sides is for peace, development, exchange, and cooperation. Liu Shifang and Cheng Yingyao have gone against this trend, committed numerous “Taiwan independence” misdeeds, and aroused strong indignation among compatriots on both sides of the Strait. Many members of the public have reported them to the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, demanding that they be punished.

Chen said that Liu Shifang has openly propagated “Taiwan independence” separatist fallacies, harshly suppressed Taiwanese figures who support or participate in cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, persecuted mainland spouses in Taiwan, and tried by every means to set up obstacles to cross-Strait travel and block channels for communication between people on both sides. Cheng Yingyao has vigorously promoted provocative “independence-seeking” rhetoric, organized the compilation of “Taiwan independence” teaching materials to poison young people on the island, and obstructed cross-Strait educational exchanges and cooperation. Both Liu and Cheng are stubborn in their “Taiwan independence” ideology, brazen in their separatist rhetoric, and egregious in their actions. They have openly sought to split the country and incited secession, seriously undermined cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, gravely damaged the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and seriously harmed the interests and well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Strait.

Chen said that, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, the mainland has decided to place Liu Shifang and Cheng Yingyao on the list of “diehard Taiwan independence” elements and impose sanctions on them. They and their family members are banned from entering the mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions; institutions associated with them are restricted from cooperating with relevant organizations and individuals on the mainland; their associated enterprises and financial backers will not be allowed to seek profits on the mainland; and other necessary punitive measures will be taken. They will be held legally accountable for life. Compatriots on both sides of the Strait are welcome to continue providing information on the illegal and criminal activities of Liu Shifang and Cheng Yingyao.

Chen pointed out that “Taiwan independence” separatism is a serious scourge to the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and that punishing in accordance with the law the very small number of “diehard Taiwan independence” elements is meant to fundamentally safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and protect the vital interests and well-being of Taiwan compatriots—it is by no means directed at the broad masses of Taiwan compatriots. He expressed the hope that Taiwan compatriots will clearly recognize the Taiwan-harming nature, sinister intentions, and ugly true face of this tiny number of “diehard Taiwan independence” elements, consciously draw a clear line between themselves and people like Liu Shifang and Cheng Yingyao, resolutely oppose “Taiwan independence” separatist activities, firmly promote cross-Strait exchanges, cooperation, and integrated development, safeguard the shared home of the Chinese nation, and jointly create enduring well-being for compatriots on both sides of the Strait.

Chen then announced the second decision: Chen Shuyi, described as a “green judicial thug,” is being designated a “Taiwan independence” enforcer and accomplice and will be held legally accountable for life. According to investigations, Chen Shuyi, a prosecutor with Taiwan’s “High Prosecutors Office,” has willingly acted as an enforcer and accomplice of “Taiwan independence,” fabricated charges, manufactured wrongful cases, persecuted Taiwanese individuals who support or participate in cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, intimidated the public, and created a “green terror.” Her actions are of a vile nature and constitute serious crimes. The authorities are hereby continuing to solicit clues and evidence of Chen Shuyi’s illegal and criminal activities from both sides of the Strait (which can be sent to: [email protected]). They will base their actions on facts and the law and will punish Chen Shuyi in accordance with the law and hold her accountable for life.

At the January 7 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked: In his 2026 New Year address, President Xi Jinping emphasized that “compatriots on both sides of the Strait are bound by blood, and the historical trend toward national reunification is unstoppable.” How does the Taiwan Affairs Office interpret this, and how will it implement it?

In response, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that President Xi’s New Year address is lofty in vision, profound in thought, and rich in content. It profoundly points out that compatriots on both sides of the Strait share the same roots, culture, and heritage, and form a community of shared destiny bound by blood and by honor and disgrace. Resolving the Taiwan question and achieving complete national reunification is the shared aspiration of all Chinese people. As the building of a strong country and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation advance in all respects, China has even greater capability, confidence, and resolve to turn this aspiration into reality. The historical wheel of national reunification and national rejuvenation is rolling forward, and complete reunification of the motherland must be achieved and will certainly be achieved.

Chen said that they will thoroughly implement the spirit of President Xi’s New Year address, uphold the one-China principle and the “1992 Consensus,” broadly unite Taiwan compatriots, deepen cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation and integrated development, resolutely oppose “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and external interference, promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and advance the great cause of national reunification.

He expressed the hope that Taiwan compatriots will follow the historical trend, uphold the greater national cause, and join together with them to safeguard the beautiful home of the Chinese nation, jointly create enduring well-being for the Chinese nation, and share in the great glory of national reunification and national rejuvenation.