Category: TAO Statements

Taiwan Affairs Office: The DPP authorities’ fawning on the United States and selling out Taiwan will leave them squeezed dry and used up completely.

At the March 18 press conference of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, a reporter asked: Recently, the United States announced that it would initiate Section 301 investigations into unfair trade practices by certain trading partners, including the Taiwan region of China. Some analysts on the island believe that, despite the DPP authorities’ willingness to give the United States whatever it wants, Washington has still not let Taiwan off the hook, which is difficult to accept. What is your comment on this?

Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua responded: The DPP authorities adhere to a line of “following the United States in everything and taking their cues solely from Washington.” They curry favor with the United States without principle and sell out Taiwan without any bottom line, going all out to ingratiate themselves with the U.S. at the expense of the well-being of the Taiwanese people and the island’s economic future. Yet blind compromise and retreat will not win any mercy. Instead, it has only brought escalating predation step by step, and in the end they will find it impossible to escape being exploited to the last drop. It is truly ridiculous, detestable, and tragic.

The Taiwan Affairs Office sharply denounces Lai Ching-te’s fallacies: If he dares to take reckless risks, he will bring about his own destruction!

On March 14, State Council Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesperson Chen Binhua answered reporters’ questions.

Lai Ching-te attended a so-called “30 Years of Direct Elections for the Taiwan Regional Leader and Democratic Resilience Symposium” today, where he openly claimed that the election demonstrated that “Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country.” He fabricated the fallacy that “democracy equals sovereignty,” played up the “mainland threat,” advocated “seeking independence through force,” and incited slogans such as “resist China, protect Taiwan” and “democracy versus authoritarianism.” A reporter asked for comment.

Chen Binhua said that Lai’s remarks were yet another carefully cobbled-together and packaged “Taiwan independence confession,” once again brazenly challenging the one-China principle and fully exposing Lai’s intransigent “Taiwan independence” nature and clearly malicious intentions.

He said Lai was using so-called “electoral democracy” to manufacture a basis for Taiwan’s non-existent “statehood,” fabricating a “Chinese threat to Taiwan,” clamoring about “defending sovereignty,” creating a false narrative of “democracy confronting authoritarianism,” and inciting cross-strait antagonism and confrontation. This, Chen said, completely distorts Taiwan’s history and departs from basic facts. Its purpose is to mislead the public, confuse the issue, stir up “resist China, protect Taiwan,” and pursue “independence through force” and “rejecting unification through force.” In essence, it undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and pushes Taiwan toward war.

Chen said that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China and Taiwan is part of China—historically and legally clear. Although the two sides have not yet been fully reunified, China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity have never been divided. Taiwan has never been a country and cannot become one; there is fundamentally no such thing as “sovereignty.” No matter how elections are held in the Taiwan region, or who is elected, it cannot change Taiwan’s status as part of China, cannot sever the unbreakable historical and legal ties across the Strait, and cannot overturn the iron rule that Taiwan’s future can only be decided jointly by all Chinese people, including Taiwan compatriots. Differences in systems are not an obstacle to unification, still less an excuse for separation. “We will never allow anyone or any force to use democracy as a pretext to pursue a ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist agenda.” Chen warned that people like Lai should not miscalculate: if they dare to take reckless risks, they will bring about their own destruction.

Chen added that no matter what Lai says or does, he cannot change the basic trajectory of cross-strait relations, nor can he stop the historical trend that the motherland will eventually be reunified—and must be reunified. He said he hoped Taiwan compatriots would clearly recognize Lai and the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces’ ambitions and selfish aims, uphold the greater national cause, stand on the right side of history, and join hands with them to oppose “Taiwan independence” separatist acts, firmly safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and protect the shared homeland of the Chinese nation.

Taiwan Affairs Office on Cho Jung-tai’s ‘sneak visit’ to Japan: petty ‘chicken-and-dog’ tricks, contemptible.”

A reporter asked: Recently, the head of Taiwan’s administrative authorities, Cho Jung-tai, went to Japan to watch a ballgame, citing a so-called “private itinerary.” What is your comment?

TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded: The DPP authorities stubbornly adhere to a “Taiwan independence” separatist position and will stop at nothing to “seek independence by relying on external forces.” They are, without question, “destroyers of cross-strait peace” and “makers of crises in the Taiwan Strait.” Leading figures of the DPP authorities, under the pretext of a “private itinerary,” are in reality carrying out “pro-independence” provocations—engaging in petty, underhanded tricks that are contemptible. We hope that Taiwan compatriots will clearly recognize the DPP authorities’ malicious intent and the harm of their “independence” agenda, and join with us in firmly opposing “Taiwan independence” separatist actions and external interference, effectively safeguarding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and resolutely protecting the shared homeland of the Chinese nation.

The Taiwan issue is purely China’s internal affair and brooks no external interference. By allowing leading figures of the DPP authorities to make such a visit, Japan has violated the one-China principle and the spirit of the four China–Japan political documents, violated international law and the basic norms of international relations, and sent a serious wrong signal to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. We strongly oppose this. Japan should seriously reflect on history, draw lessons from it, genuinely correct its mistakes, and stop its maneuvering and reckless actions on the Taiwan issue.

Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO): We hope the broad community of Taiwan compatriots—including Taiwan youth—will pay more attention to the National Two Sessions (NPC & CPPCC meetings).

At the March 4 State Council Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) press briefing, a reporter asked: The National “Two Sessions” (NPC and CPPCC) are about to convene. We’ve noticed that more and more Taiwan compatriots—especially Taiwan youth—say they are paying attention. What is your comment?

TAO spokesperson Zhang Han responded: The people’s congress system is China’s fundamental political system, and the system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China is one of China’s basic political systems. The National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference are important platforms that centrally reflect and deeply practice whole-process people’s democracy. Today’s opening of the 4th session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, and tomorrow’s opening of the 4th session of the 14th National People’s Congress, are important meetings convened in the opening year of the “15th Five-Year Plan” period. The agenda includes discussing and reviewing the government work report and the outline of the “15th Five-Year Plan,” among other items; these meetings will sketch out the country’s development blueprint for the next five years and reveal the logic and direction of China’s future development.

Zhang added: By paying attention to and understanding the Two Sessions, Taiwan compatriots can better understand the mainland’s democratic political system and its economic and social development, experience the achievements of whole-process people’s democracy and Chinese-style modernization, and learn the country’s future development direction—thereby grasping opportunities for their own development. We hope Taiwan compatriots, including Taiwan youth, will actively participate in cross-strait exchanges and cooperation and in integrated development, jointly promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, and together create a bright future of national rejuvenation and the reunification of the motherland.

Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO): The DPP authorities, by obstructing Taiwan compatriots from receiving evacuation assistance from Chinese embassies and consulates abroad, have lost their conscience and extinguished their humanity.

At the March 4 State Council Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) press briefing, a reporter asked: Recently, the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our relevant embassies and consulates issued notices reminding Chinese citizens—including Taiwan compatriots—to evacuate as soon as possible, and said Taiwan compatriots who need to leave can register. However, the DPP authorities have falsely claimed that it is “risky” for Taiwan compatriots to seek evacuation assistance from the mainland. What is your comment?

TAO spokesperson Zhang Han responded: Taiwan compatriots are Chinese citizens; they are our flesh and blood, our close kin. From evacuations from Libya, Yemen, and Sudan, to the outbreak of the Israel–Palestine conflict, and when Taiwan compatriots overseas encountered dangers such as typhoons and earthquakes, we have maintained close contact with Taiwan compatriots on the ground and provided timely assistance. As always, we will take all necessary measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens, including Taiwan compatriots. If Taiwan compatriots need assistance, they can contact Chinese embassies and consulates locally at any time, or call the 12308 consular protection hotline. No matter where they are or what difficulties they face, the great motherland is the strong backing of Taiwan compatriots.

Zhang added: At this critical moment, when the safety of Taiwan compatriots is at stake, the DPP authorities are still engaging in political manipulation—losing their conscience and extinguishing their humanity. What they fear most is seeing “compatriots on both sides are one family, and true feelings show in hardship,” and they are doing everything they can to place their political schemes above people’s lives and safety. Their cold-bloodedness and selfishness are fully exposed, and they will inevitably face firm opposition from Taiwan compatriots.

Taiwan Affairs Office: The punitive measures targeting ‘Taiwan independence’ diehard separatists—and their affiliated companies and financial backers—do not involve the vast majority of Taiwan compatriots or Taiwan businesspeople and enterprises.

At the March 4 State Council Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) press briefing, a reporter asked: After the mainland disclosed that relatives of Liu Shifang hold positions in mainland enterprises and announced it would handle the matter in accordance with laws and regulations, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on the 28th issued its first “2026 Mainland China Economic Risk Warning.” It reminded Taiwanese businesspeople to carefully assess investment, operations, and work on the mainland to avoid economic losses and personal safety risks, and called on the mainland to “pull back from the brink.” What is your comment?

TAO spokesperson Zhang Han responded: Media reporting has already drawn widespread attention across Taiwan. At present, the key issue is that the DPP authorities must directly answer whether Liu Shifang’s relatives are seeking profits on the mainland, and whether there is “double standards” within the Green camp—on the one hand suppressing and participating in the persecution of people involved in cross-strait exchanges, while on the other hand using relatives on the mainland to “make money from China” (“earning red money”). Instead of shifting the focus and evading the question, they should address it head-on.

Zhang added: Our punitive measures target only a very small number of “Taiwan independence” diehard separatists and their affiliated companies and financial backers; they do not involve the vast majority of Taiwan compatriots or Taiwanese businesspeople and enterprises. The DPP authorities are deliberately muddying the waters and fabricating so-called “risks,” with the aim of intimidating Taiwan’s public, creating a “chilling effect,” and obstructing and undermining cross-strait exchanges and cooperation. Their “pro-independence” provocations have led to tension and turbulence in the Taiwan Strait; they have repeatedly cracked down on those who participate in cross-strait exchanges and cooperation; and they have a poor record of pushing “decoupling” and “cutting supply chains” across the Strait. The side that should “pull back from the brink” is the DPP authorities themselves.

Taiwan Affairs Office: The DPP authorities’ willingness to serve as someone else’s pawn will only bring them bitter consequences and make them a laughingstock.

At the March 4 State Council Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) press briefing, a reporter asked: Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the “reciprocal tariffs” implemented by President Trump in 2025 are invalid. Some people in Taiwan have analyzed that this ruling completely overturns the legal basis for the Taiwan–U.S. tariff agreement. The Lai Ching-te administration previously made concessions to accommodate the U.S., along with promises of exorbitantly priced purchases and a US$500 billion investment commitment; now, it appears like a blind transfer of benefits with no legal guarantee. What is your comment?

TAO spokesperson Zhang Han responded: The United States is using tariffs as a big stick to apply extreme pressure and to hollow out and scoop up Taiwan’s industries—this kind of economic bullying is unpopular. The DPP authorities, disregarding the well-being of Taiwan’s people, are kneeling before the U.S. without any bottom line and “selling out Taiwan,” promising massive purchases, substantially opening the market, and cooperating in relocating the island’s core industries. The result is that they spent a fortune only to end up with a “worthless ballot.” The facts once again prove that, in seeking “independence by relying on external forces,” the DPP authorities are willing to act as a pawn—and will only suffer the consequences themselves and become a laughingstock.

Taiwan Affairs Office: The DPP authorities should take concrete actions to lift the various bans and restrictions they have imposed on cross-strait exchanges and interactions, including tourism.

At the March 4 State Council Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) press briefing, a reporter asked: Recently, the UK’s Financial Times published a report titled “Let Chinese mainland tourists return to Taiwan,” saying the mainland has made political statements regarding cross-strait tourism and has begun steps to reopen it without receiving substantive concessions from Taiwan. Taiwan should show greater flexibility and separate tourism from politics. The article has resonated with Taiwan’s tourism industry. What is your comment?

TAO spokesperson Zhang Han responded: We are actively promoting cross-strait tourism exchanges and cooperation, and the goodwill and sincerity we have shown are plain for all to see. Any measures that are conducive to cross-strait exchanges and cooperation and that enhance the interests and well-being of our compatriots, we will actively promote and do our utmost to make happen.

Zhang added: We hope the DPP authorities will follow public opinion, take Taiwan people’s well-being seriously, and take practical actions to lift the various bans and restrictions they have imposed on cross-strait exchanges and interactions, including tourism.

Taiwan Affairs Office: The attention to and discussion of the plot of Taiping Nian and the historical context behind it fully reflect that peace is a shared pursuit of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.”

At the March 4 State Council Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) press briefing, a reporter asked: Recently, the historical drama Taiping Nian has aired on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and sparked lively discussion. Some commentary believes the show uses a dust-covered chapter of history to awaken people’s appreciation for peace and their recognition of the historical trend toward unification. What is your comment?

TAO spokesperson Zhang Han responded: The TV drama Taiping Nian takes the “Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms” period as its historical backdrop and explores the grand question of “how peace is achieved.” It demonstrates the pronounced unifying character of Chinese civilization, and expresses the Chinese nation’s spiritual conviction of opposing division and pursuing unity, as well as a sense of family-and-country responsibility embodied in the idea that “those who seek what benefits all under heaven must plan for it.”

Zhang added: History is the best textbook, and also the best sober-up remedy. The attention to and discussion by audiences on both sides of the Strait of the plot of Taiping Nian and the history behind it fully reflect that peace is a shared pursuit of compatriots on both sides of the Strait. We sincerely hope that all Taiwan compatriots will cherish peace as they cherish their own eyes, pursue unification as they pursue happiness in life, firmly safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and actively participate in advancing the peaceful reunification of the motherland.

Taiwan Affairs Office: We are willing to join hands with Taiwan compatriots to let Chinese culture shine with an even more brilliant radiance.

At the March 4 State Council Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) press briefing, a reporter asked: During the Lunar New Year period, the Zhejiang Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Theater and a Shanxi “iron flower” (da tie hua) performance team went to Taiwan to perform and received an enthusiastic welcome and positive reviews from people on the island. Some people in Taiwan said they hope the two sides will always be able to engage in exchanges through art and culture, and absolutely not through the flames of war; the two sides must have peace, so that their cultures can endure for the long term. What is your comment?

TAO spokesperson Zhang Han responded: During the Lunar New Year period, the Zhejiang Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Theater brought two productions, My Grand View Garden and The Garden of Love, to Taiwan, and the Shanxi Gaoping intangible cultural heritage project “iron flower” also performed in Taiwan. Both were welcomed and praised by audiences on the island, especially young viewers, highlighting the unique charm and strong emotional appeal of China’s outstanding traditional culture. The Taiwanese compatriots’ love for and identification with Chinese culture once again demonstrates that compatriots on both sides of the Strait share the same roots and origins, and the same language and culture. The calls from relevant figures in Taiwan also voice the shared aspiration of compatriots on both sides for peace, development, exchange, and cooperation.

Zhang added: Chinese culture is the spiritual root and sense of belonging of compatriots on both sides of the Strait. We are willing to work together with Taiwan compatriots to continue advancing cross-strait cultural exchanges and cooperation, jointly safeguard peaceful development across the Strait, and join hands to let Chinese culture shine with an even more brilliant radiance.