Author: Ethan Connell

Author: Ethan Connell

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Here’s the latest edition of the TSM PRC State Media Tracker. Each Friday, we highlight key excerpts from China’s state media organs, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Taiwan Affairs Office, all below!

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Statement on the Signing of the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act

3 December 2025

Lin Jian: China firmly opposes any form of official interaction between the United States and the Taiwan region of China. This position is consistent and clear.

The Taiwan question is at the very core of China’s core interests and is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations. The one-China principle is the political foundation of China–U.S. relations. In the China–U.S. Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, the U.S. government explicitly committed that “the United States of America recognizes the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China. Within this context, the people of the United States will maintain cultural, commercial, and other unofficial relations with the people of Taiwan.” We urge the U.S. side to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China–U.S. joint communiqués, exercise extreme prudence in handling Taiwan-related issues, stop all official interactions between the U.S. and Taiwan, and refrain from sending any wrong signals to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces.

Taiwan Affairs Office Statement on Taiwan’s Announced “Special Defense Budget”

3 December 2025

Zhang Han: Lai Ching-te, who ingratiates himself with external forces without principle and sells out Taiwan without any bottom line, is racing headlong down the path of seeking “independence” through provocations and reckless militarism. He is squandering the hard-earned money of the people, pushing a policy of “everyone a soldier,” and is willing to turn Taiwan into a battlefield and its people into cannon fodder. Money that could have been used to improve people’s livelihoods is instead being wasted on buying weapons and enriching foreign arms dealers, which will only push Taiwan into an ever more dangerous situation of looming war.

“Taiwan independence” means war. We hope that our compatriots in Taiwan will clearly recognize the extreme danger and harm of Lai Ching-te’s attempt to ‘provoke war through Taiwan independence,’ firmly oppose “Taiwan independence” separatism and external interference, and join us in bringing cross-Strait relations back onto the right track of peaceful development, genuinely safeguarding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and their own security and well-being. We sternly warn Lai Ching-te and the DPP authorities: do not play with fire—those who play with fire will surely burn themselves. Seeking “independence” by force and recklessly taking desperate risks will only dig your own grave!

Taiwan Affairs Office Statement on “One Country – Two Systems”

3 December 2025

Zhang Han: Lai Ching-te is arbitrarily clamping down on the freedom of Taiwan’s people to take part in cross-Strait exchanges and crudely depriving ordinary people of their right to pursue a better life, fully exposing his nature of “terror politics and green dictatorship.”

“One country, two systems” is a peaceful, democratic, well-intentioned, and win–win proposal. After reunification, with the strong motherland as a backing, the livelihoods and well-being of Taiwan compatriots will improve, their development space will expand, they will be safer and enjoy greater dignity, and they will be able to stand taller and more confidently on the international stage. Taiwan will enjoy lasting peace, and the people will live and work in contentment. Taiwan compatriots will, together with compatriots on the mainland, share in the dignity and glory of our great country and embrace a bright future of prosperity and stability.

The Taiwan question is at the very core of China’s core interests and concerns the national sentiments of more than 1.4 billion Chinese people; it is a red line that absolutely must not be crossed. If “Taiwan independence” separatist forces dare to breach this red line, we will certainly take resolute action and strike them head-on. We will continue, on the basis of the one-China principle, to conduct broad exchanges of views and in-depth consultations with political parties, groups, and people from all walks of life in Taiwan on cross-Strait relations and national reunification, and jointly promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advance the great cause of the reunification of the motherland.

Taiwan Affairs Office Statement on Prime Minister Takaichi’s Refusal to Retract Comments on Taiwan

3 December 2025

Zhang Han: This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s recovery, and the 82nd anniversary of the Cairo Declaration. The Cairo Declaration and a series of other international legal instruments are major outcomes of the world anti-fascist war. They affirm from the perspective of international law China’s sovereignty over Taiwan and form an important part of the post-war international order. Observing the relevant provisions is an international legal obligation that Japan must assume.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s erroneous remarks on Taiwan interfere in China’s internal affairs, send a wrong signal to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, and undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. We urge the Japanese side to deeply reflect on its historical crimes, withdraw its erroneous statements, stop interfering in China’s internal affairs, and faithfully abide by the one-China principle and its political commitments to China through concrete actions.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Statement on President Lai’s Comments at the New York Times DealBook Summit

5 December 2025

Lin Jian: By providing a platform for the leader of the Taiwan authorities to peddle “Taiwan independence” separatist fallacies, the relevant U.S. media outlet has seriously violated the one-China principle and the three China–U.S. joint communiqués, and sent a gravely wrong signal to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. China firmly opposes this.

Lai Ching-te’s words and deeds once again expose his true nature as a diehard “Taiwan independence” element and his sinister scheme of “relying on the United States to seek independence.” They once again prove that he is a “peace saboteur” and a “troublemaker.” We urge the U.S. side to fully recognize the highly sensitive nature of the Taiwan question and to implement in earnest the commitments made by its leaders. Whatever Lai Ching-te says or does is like a mantis trying to stop a chariot — it is doomed to fail.

Author: Ethan Connell

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Here’s the latest edition of the TSM PRC State Media Tracker. Each Friday, we highlight key excerpts from China’s state media organs, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Taiwan Affairs Office, all below!

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Statement on Japanese Intervention in the Taiwan Strait

19 November 2025

Mao Ning: Looking back at history, it is not difficult to see that launching external aggression under the pretext of a so-called “survival crisis” or “self-defense” was a typical tactic of Japanese militarism. In 1931, whether Japan could “secure Manchuria” was framed as a matter “threatening Japan’s survival,” and Japan used this as an excuse to launch the September 18th Incident and occupy Northeast China. Later, Japan claimed that the “Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere” was a “war for Japan’s survival,” spreading its war of aggression across Asia. Even “whether to attack Pearl Harbor” was once regarded as a question that “threatened Japan’s survival,” which ultimately lit the fuse of the Pacific War.

The alarm has already sounded, and tragedy must not be allowed to repeat itself. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the international community must remain highly vigilant and firmly resist any attempt to revive militarism, in order to safeguard the post-war international order and uphold world peace.

Taiwan Affairs Office Statement on Supply Chain Coordination with the US Under the “Taiwan Model”

19 November 2025

Zhu Fenglian: The so-called “Taiwan model” is nothing more than a “kowtowing-to-America model,” a fig leaf for selling out Taiwan. It will inevitably lead to the outflow of capital, technology, and talent to the U.S., severely damaging the development of Taiwan’s industries. The so-called “Taiwan–U.S. supply chain cooperation” is nothing but the U.S. openly plundering and monopolizing Taiwan’s advantageous industries. From “sharing fifty–fifty” to “taking everything,” Taiwan’s core industrial advantages will be completely lost, and the island’s employment, investment, and development momentum will suffer devastating blows.

More and more facts are making the people of Taiwan realize that the U.S. always pursues “America First.” The DPP authorities, currying favor with the U.S. at the expense of the well-being of the people and the island’s economic prospects, will ultimately be unable to escape the fate of Taiwan being squeezed dry by the U.S. We sternly warn the DPP authorities: sacrificing the foundations of Taiwan’s industrial development and the welfare of its people for the selfish interests of one party will be condemned.

Taiwan Affairs Office Statement on Punishment for “Taiwan Independence Diehards”

19 November 2025

Zhu Fenglian: The “Taiwan independence” diehards who engage in wrongdoing fully deserve punishment and will inevitably face severe consequences. Faced with the unsheathing of the sword to punish independence-seeking forces, the DPP authorities and the “Taiwan independence” diehards have panicked, attempting to shift blame and divert attention.

The DPP authorities’ provocations in seeking “Taiwan independence” are the root cause of tension and turbulence in cross-Strait relations. The “Taiwan independence” diehards are the vanguard cultivated by the DPP for pursuing separatism. Only by adhering to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, firmly opposing “Taiwan independence,” and resolutely punishing the diehard independence elements can peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait be genuinely safeguarded, and the interests and well-being of Taiwan compatriots be effectively protected.

Taiwan Affairs Office Statement on Cash Rewards for Taiwanese Influencers

19 November 2025

Zhu Fenglian: Wen Ziyu and Chen Boyuan have long published and spread statements advocating “resisting China and protecting Taiwan” and “relying on the U.S. to seek independence,” inciting separatism. They have aggressively attacked and smeared mainland policies benefiting Taiwan and its people, bullied and persecuted mainland spouses in Taiwan and Taiwan compatriots who support peaceful cross-Strait relations, and acted as enforcers and accomplices of “Taiwan independence.” They have aided wrongdoing and created a malign influence. The public security authorities’ issuance of a wanted notice and reward for information on their criminal acts is a concrete step taken in accordance with the law to punish crimes of splitting the country or inciting secession. It is a righteous response to the strong public demand on both sides of the Strait to punish separatist activities. The reward measures in the notice will be implemented by public security authorities in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

The mainstream public opinion in Taiwan favors peace, development, exchanges, and cooperation. The extremely small number of “Taiwan independence” diehards, enforcers, and accomplices are destructive troublemakers whose misdeeds have caused deep resentment among the vast majority of people in Taiwan, who support punishing them in accordance with the law. These punitive measures are directed only at the diehard “Taiwan independence” elements and their enforcers or accomplices, and do not involve the broad masses of people in Taiwan. We hope compatriots on both sides of the Strait will actively provide information on relevant illegal activities and resolutely oppose all forms of separatist conduct.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Statement on Japanese Military Rearmament

21 November 2025

Mao Ning: Japan has been continually “loosening restraints on itself” and expanding its military capabilities. Its defense budget has risen for thirteen consecutive years, and the new security laws lifted the ban on collective self-defense. Japan revised the “Three Principles on Arms Exports” into the “Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology,” continually relaxing restrictions on arms exports and even beginning to export lethal weapons. Japan claims to seek a world free of nuclear weapons, yet it is vigorously strengthening cooperation on “extended deterrence,” and is even seeking to revise the “Three Non-Nuclear Principles”—not possessing, not producing, and not introducing nuclear weapons—in order to pave the way for “nuclear sharing” arrangements. These trends show that Japan is breaking away from its exclusively defensive posture and accelerating its “rearmament.” One cannot help but ask: What exactly is Japan trying to do?

If Japan intends to return to the old path of militarism, abandon its commitment to peaceful development, and undermine the post-war international order, the Chinese people will not accept it, the international community will not allow it, and it will ultimately end in failure.

Author: Ethan Connell

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Here’s the latest edition of the TSM PRC State Media Tracker. Each Friday, we highlight key excerpts from China’s state media organs, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Taiwan Affairs Office, all below!

Taiwan Affairs Office Statement on “Expectations for the Period After Reunification”

5 November 2025

Zhang Han: Resolving the Taiwan question and achieving the complete reunification of the motherland is the common aspiration of all sons and daughters of the Chinese nation. National reunification is the historical conclusion of the development of cross-Strait relations. Everything we do to promote cross-Strait relations is aimed at strengthening kinship ties and enhancing the well-being of compatriots on both sides, and at fulfilling their shared desire for a better life. Completing national reunification is a just cause—beneficial in the present, advantageous for generations to come, and bringing enduring blessings far into the future.

On October 25, at the conference commemorating the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration, Wang Huning, member of the CPC Politburo Standing Committee and Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, stated that after peaceful reunification, with the strong support of the motherland, Taiwan will enjoy “seven areas of improvement”: — better economic development, — better guarantees for energy and resources, — better infrastructure construction, — better security, — better external exchanges, — better livelihood and welfare for Taiwan compatriots, and — better spiritual and cultural life.

Taiwan Affairs Office Statement on Jilin-1 Satellite Imagery Released of Taiwan

11 November 2025

Zhang Han: Taiwan is a treasured island of the motherland. As the mainland’s scientific and technological capabilities continue to improve, we are able to measure our land more precisely, safeguard our homeland more securely, and embrace the future with greater confidence. As many netizens have said, this is truly a “bird’s-eye view of home.”

Whether it is the majestic Great Wall or the beautiful Sun Moon Lake, the towering skylines of Shanghai or the bustling Port of Taipei — they are all part of the motherland’s magnificent rivers and mountains, and together form the beautiful home of the Chinese nation. We sincerely welcome more Taiwan compatriots to visit the mainland, to witness its grand landscapes and vibrant development, and to feel the warmth of home.

Taiwan Affairs Office Statement on the Criminal Investigation into Puma Shen (Shen Po-yang)

11 November 2025

Zhang Han: Taiwan is a part of China, and “Taiwan independence” is an act of splitting the country and betraying the nation. The public security authorities’ decision to open a case and investigate Shen Po-yang for allegedly committing the crime of secession, and to pursue his criminal responsibility in accordance with the law, is reasonable and lawful. It is a concrete action to implement the Opinion on Punishing Stubborn ‘Taiwan Independence’ Elements for the Crimes of Splitting the Country and Inciting Splitting the Country in Accordance with the Law, and a just and necessary measure to oppose “Taiwan independence” separatism and safeguard national unity.

This judicial and law-enforcement action targets only a very small number of “Taiwan independence” diehards whose words and deeds are egregious and whose separatist activities are rampant. It does not target and does not involve the broad mass of Taiwan compatriots. The Democratic Progressive Party authorities deliberately blur the distinction between the general public and a tiny number of “Taiwan independence” diehards in order to intimidate the people — revealing their own guilty conscience and fear.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Statement on Visit to Taiwan by Fijian Ambassador to the UN

6 November 2025

Mao Ning: China has always firmly opposed any form of official interaction between countries that have diplomatic relations with China and the Taiwan region. The Fijian official’s visit to Taiwan seriously violates Fiji’s political commitment to the One-China principle. China expresses strong dissatisfaction over this and has lodged stern representations with Fiji. The despicable actions of the Taiwan authorities will not succeed.

Taiwan Affairs Office Statement on Japanese Involvement in a Taiwan Scenario

12 November 2025

Chen Binhua: There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is part of China. The egregious remarks concerning Taiwan made openly by a Japanese leader in the Diet seriously violate the one-China principle and constitute a blatant interference in China’s internal affairs. We express strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged solemn representations and strong protests with the Japanese side.

Japan bears historical guilt toward the Chinese people on the Taiwan issue and committed countless crimes during its 50 years of colonial rule and enslavement of Taiwan. Eighty years ago, we defeated the Japanese aggressors, recovered Taiwan, and ended Japan’s occupation and plunder. Eighty years later, anyone who dares to challenge China’s core interests or attempts to obstruct the great cause of China’s reunification will find that the Chinese government, the Chinese people, and the Chinese military will never agree and will never tolerate it.

Japan should deeply reflect on its history, learn from past lessons, adhere to the one-China principle and the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan, honor its political commitments on the Taiwan question, and handle Taiwan-related issues with the utmost prudence. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities are also sternly warned: any attempt to rely on external forces to split Taiwan from China is doomed to fail.

Taiwan Affairs Office Statement on the Commissioning of the Fujian

12 November 2025

Chen Binhua: From the Liaoning to the Shandong and now to the Fujian, the arrival of the “three-carrier era” is a major achievement in China’s national defense and military development, and a solid step forward for the People’s Liberation Army on its path toward becoming a world-class military. Chinese people at home and abroad all feel proud and honored by this. As the People’s Navy grows stronger and sails further into the deep blue, it will more powerfully safeguard the motherland’s vast maritime borders, defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and defeat any forces or plots attempting to invade or divide China’s sacred territory.

Taiwan Affairs Office Statement on the US-Taiwan Relationship

12 November 2025

Chen Binhua: In recent days, many foreign media outlets, experts, and scholars have criticized the Lai Ching-te (William Lai) authorities for their reckless provocations and repeated attempts to seek “Taiwan independence.” This shows that more and more people are seeing their true nature as “peace saboteurs” and “troublemakers,” and that the dream of “relying on external forces to pursue independence” is nothing but a futile fantasy.

The future of Taiwan, the safety and well-being of the people in Taiwan, lie in the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the realization of national reunification. We hope that the broad mass of Taiwan compatriots will clearly recognize the extreme danger and harm of the Lai Ching-te authorities’ stubborn adherence to the separatist path of “Taiwan independence,” resolutely oppose “Taiwan independence” and external interference, and work together with us to bring cross-Strait relations back onto the path of peaceful development, genuinely safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and their own safety and well-being.

Taiwan Affairs Office Statement on Reunification with Taiwan

12 November 2025

Chen Binhua: The historical process of China’s reunification cannot be stopped. “Taiwan independence” is a dead end, and confrontation leads nowhere. Only by advancing cross-Strait relations toward the complete reunification of the motherland can lasting peace across the Taiwan Strait be ensured and enduring well-being for the Chinese nation be achieved.

We are willing, on the common political foundation of upholding the one-China principle and opposing “Taiwan independence,” to work together with all political parties, organizations, and representative figures in Taiwan to conduct extensive and in-depth democratic consultations on cross-Strait relations and Taiwan’s future — to seek peace across the Taiwan Strait, to seek well-being for our compatriots, and to seek rejuvenation for the Chinese nation. We hope that all political parties and people from all walks of life on the island will recognize the trend of history, uphold the great national interest, and join us in safeguarding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, working hand in hand to open a bright new chapter of national rejuvenation and the reunification of the motherland.

Taiwan Affairs Office Statement on Cross-Strait Communication

12 November 2025

Chen Binhua: The “1992 Consensus” is the political foundation for the development of cross-Strait relations and the anchor of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. It was precisely on the basis of the “1992 Consensus” that the two sides of the Strait began consultations and negotiations, signed a series of agreements, and reached numerous consensuses, which effectively promoted economic well-being on both sides and strongly safeguarded peace and stability across the Strait.

The historical tide of national reunification and rejuvenation is surging forward. The earlier the Taiwan question is resolved and the motherland is reunified, the more favorable it will be for Taiwan’s development and for improving the lives of Taiwan compatriots. People on both sides of the Strait are Chinese — members of one family bound by blood. We have the ability and the wisdom to properly handle our own family affairs and firmly hold the destiny of the Chinese nation in our own hands.

Author: Ethan Connell

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Here’s the latest edition of the TSM PRC State Media Tracker. Each Friday, we highlight key excerpts from China’s state media organs, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Taiwan Affairs Office, all below!

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Statement on Paraguay’s Recognition of Taiwan

20 October 2025

Guo Jiakun: The one-China principle is a universal consensus of the international community and a fundamental norm governing international relations. Maintaining so-called “diplomatic” relations with the Taiwan authorities is a dead end with no future. It cannot shake the solid international consensus on the one-China principle, nor can it alter the historical trend that China will and must achieve reunification.

Adhering to the one-China principle is a just cause, reflects the will of the people, and conforms to the tide of history. We advise the very few governments — including Paraguay’s — to clearly recognize the situation, heed the calls of those with insight, not ignore the will of their people, and, guided by their nation’s fundamental and long-term interests, make the right political decision as soon as possible.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Statement on President Trump Saying China “Does Not Want” to Invade Taiwan

21 October 2025

Guo Jiakun: China’s position on the Taiwan question is consistent and clear. Taiwan is an inseparable part of China’s territory, and the Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair. How to resolve the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese people to decide. We are willing to continue striving, with the greatest sincerity and utmost effort, to pursue the prospect of peaceful reunification — but we will never allow anyone or any force to separate Taiwan from China in any way.

Regarding the issue of head-of-state diplomacy, I would emphasize that such diplomacy plays an irreplaceable strategic guiding role in China–U.S. relations, and the two heads of state maintain close communication and exchanges.

Taiwan Affairs Office Statement on the DPP’s “Psychological Warfare Brigade”

22 October 2025

Zhu Fenglian: The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have manipulated the so-called “Psychological Warfare Brigade” to smear and attack the mainland, spread “Taiwan independence” fallacies, and incite secession. The facts are clear and the evidence is solid.

The public security authorities’ issuance of a reward notice for 18 core members of Taiwan’s military Psychological Warfare Brigade suspected of criminal activity is a concrete action to implement the Opinions on Punishing ‘Stubborn Taiwan Independence’ Separatists for Crimes of Splitting the State and Inciting Splitting the State in Accordance with the Law. It is a just measure to safeguard the common interests of compatriots on both sides of the Strait and the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation.

Taiwan is a part of China. Anyone who endangers the country’s sovereignty, security, or development interests cannot escape the sanctions of national law.

Taiwan Affairs Office Statement on the Sentencing of Retired Taiwanese General Gao Anguo

24 October 2025

Chen Binhua: This is another vicious act by the DPP authorities of abusing the judiciary to suppress and persecute patriotic, pro-unification forces on the island. We strongly condemn it.

The DPP authorities repeatedly crack down on political dissent, and in particular arbitrarily persecute organizations and individuals who oppose “Taiwan independence” and advocate reunification. This is entirely rooted in the DPP’s pro-independence nature and is done for the party’s own interests. We hope all sectors of Taiwanese society will fully recognize the true nature of the case and jointly oppose its abuse of power to persecute patriots.

We solemnly warn the relevant institutions and personnel on the island: those who put themselves on the opposite side of the people’s voice and historical justice, acting as henchmen and lackeys of “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, will face historical reckoning and severe legal punishment.

Author: Ethan Connell

Contributing Researchers: Nathan Stolzenfeld

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Here’s the first edition of the TSM PRC State Media Tracker. Each Friday, we highlight key excerpts from China’s state media organs, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defense, and Taiwan Affairs Office, all below!

Ministry of National Defense Statement on “T-Dome” and Plans to Increase Taiwanese Defense Spending

17 October 2025

Zhang Xiaogang: Lai Ching-te’s remarks distort historical facts and international legal principles. He is once again peddling the worn-out fallacy of “Taiwan independence,” dressing it up in new forms to curry favor with external forces while deceiving the people of Taiwan and provoking cross-strait confrontation. This once again proves that he is a thorough “destroyer of peace” and a “troublemaker,” exposing his malicious intent to sell out, harm, and ruin Taiwan.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, disregarding the livelihood and well-being of the people on the island, are recklessly rushing down the wrong path of militarism, deluding themselves that the illusory “Shield of Taiwan” can boost their morale. In doing so, they are only accelerating Taiwan’s slide toward the peril of war and becoming the source of chaos and instability in the Taiwan Strait. We sternly warn the DPP authorities: attempts to seek independence by relying on external forces are doomed to fail, and using force to resist reunification leads nowhere. The People’s Liberation Army remains a powerful force, unshakable in its mission to defend the nation’s unity, and will continue to enhance its real-combat capabilities against separatism and external interference—resolutely safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Ministry of National Defense Statement on China-related Provisions in the Senate-passed NDAA

17 October 2025

Zhang Xiaogang: The negative China-related provisions in the U.S. bill constitute a blatant interference in China’s internal affairs, undermine China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests, and jeopardize world peace and stability. We firmly oppose this. The Taiwan question is the first and foremost red line that must not be crossed in China–U.S. relations. The U.S. playing the “Taiwan card” is tantamount to playing with fire—arming Taiwan is a dangerous gamble that will inevitably come at a heavy cost.

We urge the United States to adhere to the one-China principle and the three China–U.S. joint communiqués, to honor its commitment not to support “Taiwan independence,” to stop sending the wrong signals to separatist forces, and to cease all forms of military contact with China’s Taiwan region, so as to avoid damaging relations between the two countries and their militaries, as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Ministry of National Defense Statement on China-related Provisions in the Senate-passed NDAA

17 October 2025

Zhang Xiaogang: The negative China-related provisions in the U.S. bill constitute a blatant interference in China’s internal affairs, undermine China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests, and jeopardize world peace and stability. We firmly oppose this. The Taiwan question is the first and foremost red line that must not be crossed in China–U.S. relations. The U.S. playing the “Taiwan card” is tantamount to playing with fire—arming Taiwan is a dangerous gamble that will inevitably come at a heavy cost.

We urge the United States to adhere to the one-China principle and the three China–U.S. joint communiqués, to honor its commitment not to support “Taiwan independence,” to stop sending the wrong signals to separatist forces, and to cease all forms of military contact with China’s Taiwan region, so as to avoid damaging relations between the two countries and their militaries, as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Author: Ethan Connell

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Here’s the latest edition of the TSM PRC State Media Tracker. Each Friday, we highlight key excerpts from China’s state media organs, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Taiwan Affairs Office, all below!

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Statement on Taiwan Restoration Day

27 October 2025

Guo Jiakun: On the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress decided to establish Taiwan Restoration Day, demonstrating the firm resolve of all ethnic groups in China to uphold the One-China principle and defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. It reflects the common aspiration of Chinese people at home and abroad, including compatriots in Taiwan, and highlights the strong will of the Communist Party of China to fulfill its historical mission and unswervingly achieve the complete reunification of the motherland.

The restoration of Taiwan is an important component of the victory of World War II and the postwar international order. The One-China principle is a universally recognized consensus and a fundamental norm in international relations. By establishing Taiwan Restoration Day, China has further consolidated the international consensus that there is only one China in the world and that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China. We hope that all countries will continue to adhere to the One-China principle, jointly promote a correct understanding of World War II history, resolutely safeguard the fruits of the victory in that war, and support the just cause of the Chinese people in opposing “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and achieving national reunification.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Statement on Lin Chia-lung’s Comments on the US–Taiwan Relationship

30 October 2025

Guo Jiakun: Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. The greatest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait today comes from “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and the indulgence and support of external forces. China firmly opposes any form of official exchanges between the United States and Taiwan, and hopes that the U.S. side will abide by the One-China principle and the three China–U.S. joint communiqués, and handle Taiwan-related issues with utmost prudence.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities stubbornly seek independence by relying on foreign forces, using every occasion to peddle “Taiwan independence” fallacies in an attempt to distort facts and mislead the public. Their actions are despicable and shameful, and their schemes are doomed to fail. No matter what the DPP authorities say or do, they cannot change the historical and legal fact that Taiwan is part of China’s territory, nor can they stop the unstoppable historical trend of China’s eventual—and inevitable—reunification.

Ministry of National Defense Statement on the U.S.–Taiwan Defense Industry Conference

30 October 2025

Zhang Xiaogang: The DPP authorities, for the sake of one-party interests, pander to the United States and sell out Taiwan with no bottom line, recklessly pursuing militarization that hollows out Taiwan and pushes ordinary Taiwanese toward a disaster. No matter how many weapons the DPP buys, it will not change the cross-Strait military balance or alter the inevitable fate of “Taiwan independence” collapsing.

The U.S. should fully recognize the extreme sensitivity and serious harm of arms sales to Taiwan, stop playing with fire on issues involving China’s core interests, and put its professed non-support for “Taiwan independence” into practice. The PLA will, with greater capability and more reliable means, resolutely smash any “Taiwan independence” plots and outside interference, and defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

A report from China Central Television on the establishment of “Taiwan Restoration Day” in China, intended to “solidly advance the process of national reunification”:

24 October 2025

October 25th will now be “Taiwan Restoration Day” in China, according to state media reporting. The day will feature “commemorative activities in various forms” and is intended to “solidly advance the process of national reunification.” The measure was adopted this week following a decision by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. October 25th is already a national holiday in Taiwan, called “Taiwan Retrocession Day,” and celebrates the turnover of Taipei from Japanese to ROC forces following the end of WWII.