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.

At the January 7 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked: Song Tao, Director of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, has issued a New Year message titled “Forge Ahead Together, Create Well-Being Together.” Please provide an interpretation.

In response, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that Director Song Tao issued the New Year message on January 2, first extending New Year greetings and sincere regards to Taiwan compatriots on behalf of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

The message reviewed and summarized Taiwan-related work in 2025, stating that it was a year in which all Chinese people remembered history and shared in glory, in which Chinese-style modernization carried forward the past and opened the future through continued effort, and in which cross-Strait relations pressed ahead through difficulties while momentum was built for national reunification. It noted that over the past year, cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation achieved a series of new developments, that the forces safeguarding the peace and security of the homeland grew stronger, and that measures to enhance the interests and well-being of Taiwan compatriots increased. It called on compatriots on both sides of the Strait to follow the trend and seize the momentum, work hand in hand to create enduring well-being for the Chinese nation, and jointly write a splendid chapter in the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Chen said that the message also elaborated on the key priorities of Taiwan-related work for this year, making clear that they will uphold the one-China principle and the “1992 Consensus,” promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and advance the great cause of national reunification. They will create better conditions for Taiwan compatriots to study, work, and live on the mainland, further expand exchanges and cooperation, deepen integrated development, resolutely oppose “Taiwan independence” separatism and external interference, support patriotic pro-reunification forces on the island, and conduct dialogue and consultations with Taiwan’s political parties, political groups, and people from all sectors on cross-Strait relations and national reunification.

He expressed the hope that Taiwan compatriots will join together with them to firmly safeguard the shared home of the Chinese nation and work together to advance the great cause of national reunification and national rejuvenation.

At the January 7 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked the spokesperson to summarize developments in cross-Strait relations in 2025 and to look ahead to cross-Strait relations in 2026.

In response, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that 2025 was a year in which cross-Strait relations pressed ahead through difficulties and momentum was built for national reunification. They firmly grasped the initiative and leadership in cross-Strait relations, pushed exchanges, cooperation, and integrated development to a higher level, demonstrated stronger capabilities to deter “Taiwan independence” separatism and external interference, accumulated stronger momentum for advancing reunification, and gathered greater strength for promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

First, they broke through obstacles and continued to expand cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation. They worked to overcome obstruction and restrictions imposed by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, continued to expand people-to-people exchanges and cooperation across various fields, and promoted closer ties between compatriots on both sides and deeper, more substantive cooperation. They significantly increased the number of ports where Taiwan compatriots can obtain permits on arrival, introduced policies such as waiving the Taiwan Compatriot Permit application fee for “first-time applicants” and offering airfare discounts, and provided “greater openness, maximum convenience, and greater safety” for Taiwan compatriots traveling to and from the mainland. They successfully held events such as the Straits Forum, the Cross-Strait Chinese Culture Summit, and the Cross-Strait Grassroots Livelihood Development Exchange Conference, leading a new wave of exchanges. The numbers of Taiwan compatriots, Taiwanese youth, and “first-time visitors” coming to the mainland rose sharply. More and more Taiwan compatriots personally experienced the magnificence of the motherland’s landscapes, felt the dynamic vitality of Chinese-style modernization, appreciated the unique charm of Chinese culture, and took pride in being upright and dignified Chinese.

Second, they continued to deepen cross-Strait integrated development and share the opportunities of Chinese-style modernization. The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee reviewed and adopted the recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan, making top-level design and strategic planning for development over the next five years. This provides strong impetus for Chinese-style modernization and opens broader space for Taiwan compatriots and enterprises to establish themselves and develop on the mainland. They respect, care for, and benefit Taiwan compatriots, implement policies of equal treatment for Taiwan compatriots and enterprises, and push for policies benefiting them to be implemented effectively. They advanced the construction of the cross-Strait integrated development demonstration zone with high quality, introduced a new batch of policies to deepen integrated development, and achieved new progress and results in Fujian–Taiwan integration. They held the 2025 Cross-Strait Entrepreneurs Summit Annual Meeting and dozens of cross-Strait economic and trade exchange activities, sharing the opportunities and achievements of Chinese-style modernization with Taiwan businesspeople and enterprises. They effectively responded to external tariff bullying, safeguarded the Chinese nation’s economy, and protected the interests of Taiwan businesses and enterprises on the mainland. More and more Taiwan compatriots have come to deeply recognize that both sides of the Strait form an inseparable community of shared destiny, and that the mainland is always a strong backing for Taiwan compatriots and enterprises.

Third, they resolutely opposed “Taiwan independence” separatism and external interference and firmly safeguarded the shared home of the Chinese nation. They held a symposium marking the 20th anniversary of the implementation of the Anti-Secession Law, conducted the “Strait Thunder–2025A” and “Justice Mission–2025” exercises, firmly defended national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolutely safeguarded the common interests of compatriots on both sides of the Strait and the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation. They punished in accordance with the law “diehard Taiwan independence” elements and their enforcers and accomplices, effectively deterring separatist provocations. They firmly upheld the authority of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, continued to consolidate the international one-China framework, and effectively curbed external forces’ use of the “Taiwan card.” They united the broad masses of Taiwan compatriots, upheld the one-China principle and the “1992 Consensus,” jointly opposed “Taiwan independence” separatism and external interference, firmly safeguarded the shared home of the Chinese nation, and kept the future and destiny of the nation firmly in the hands of Chinese on both sides of the Strait. More and more people on the island have seen clearly the historical trend that the motherland will inevitably be reunified and have voiced hopes that cross-Strait relations will return to the correct track of peaceful development.

Chen said that on the eve of the New Year in 2026, President Xi Jinping delivered a New Year address, extending New Year greetings to Chinese at home and abroad, in which he emphasized that “compatriots on both sides of the Strait are bound by blood, and the historical trend toward national reunification is unstoppable.” In the new year, they will thoroughly implement the Party’s overall strategy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era, uphold the one-China principle and the “1992 Consensus,” resolutely oppose “Taiwan independence” separatism and external interference, unite the broad masses of Taiwan compatriots, promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and advance the great cause of national reunification.

He expressed the hope that Taiwan compatriots will continue to strengthen their resolve, backbone, and confidence in being Chinese, work together to promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advance the cause of national reunification, and strive unremittingly for the shared future of Chinese on both sides of the Strait.

At the January 7 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked: Please briefly introduce the state of cross-Strait economic exchanges and cooperation in 2025. What were the main features? What is the outlook for cross-Strait economic exchanges and cooperation in 2026?

In response, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that 2025 was the concluding year of the 14th Five-Year Plan. Under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the mainland economy pressed ahead under pressure and advanced toward new and higher-quality development, providing solid support and strong momentum for strengthening cross-Strait economic cooperation and deepening cross-Strait integrated development.

First, mainland Taiwan-invested businesses and entrepreneurs continued to develop in a healthy and stable manner. Localities introduced a series of measures to support the development of Taiwan-invested enterprises and entrepreneurs on the mainland. The production and operations of mainland Taiwan-invested enterprises remained stable, and Taiwan investment and cross-Strait economic and trade ties maintained a growth trend. From January to October last year, 6,423 new Taiwan-funded enterprises were established on the mainland, with US$1.75 billion in actually utilized Taiwan investment, a year-on-year increase of 53%. From January to November, cross-Strait trade reached US$285.395 billion, up 7.3% year on year.

Second, cross-Strait integrated development took new steps forward. They strengthened policy supply and improved supporting policy measures, and promoted the implementation of key tasks for building the cross-Strait integrated development demonstration zone. More than 30 departments have issued a series of supporting documents and policy measures, and a new pattern of integrated development across all of Fujian is being accelerated. From January to October last year, Fujian–Taiwan trade reached RMB 72.82 billion, with 2,043 newly established Taiwan-funded enterprises and US$670 million in actually utilized Taiwan investment.

Third, cross-Strait travel and exchanges and cooperation opened up a new situation. They adopted a series of measures to facilitate cross-Strait travel and promote cross-Strait economic exchanges and cooperation, held many cross-Strait economic and trade exchange activities, and widely invited industrial and commercial groups and important business figures from Taiwan to visit. More and more Taiwan compatriots came to the mainland to experience its magnificent landscapes and rapid development. According to statistics, airlines on both sides of the Strait operated more than 610 passenger flights per week. From January to November last year, the “Mini Three Links” operated 10,997 sailings, up 38.69% year on year, carrying 1.7543 million passengers, up 45.77% year on year.

Fourth, new progress was made in building cross-Strait cooperation platforms. They steadily advanced the construction of platforms such as the Cross-Strait Industrial Cooperation Zones and the Pingtan, Kunshan, and Dongguan cross-Strait cooperation platforms, promoted further opening of mainland emerging industrial chains to Taiwan-invested enterprises, and encouraged localities to carry out targeted cross-Strait industrial matchmaking. A number of key Taiwan-funded projects have gone into operation, and cooperation in cross-Strait industrial and supply chains has continued to deepen, expand in scope, and grow more resilient.

Chen said that 2026 will be the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan. They will take the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, the plenary sessions of the 20th Central Committee, and the Central Economic Work Conference as guidance, thoroughly implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important statements on Taiwan-related work and the Party’s overall strategy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era, continuously improve systems and policies to promote cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation, advance the construction of the cross-Strait integrated development demonstration zone with high quality, strengthen industrial cooperation, and promote cross-Strait economic cooperation.

They will implement policies granting Taiwan compatriots equal treatment, provide more opportunities, a better environment, and a broader stage for Taiwan compatriots to establish themselves and develop on the mainland, actively help Taiwan businesses and enterprises integrate into the new development pattern and achieve high-quality development, enhance the well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Strait, and jointly strengthen the Chinese nation’s economy.

At the January 7 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked: Please introduce the situation regarding cross-Strait travel and exchanges in various fields in 2025. What are the main characteristics? What plans are there for cross-Strait travel and exchanges in 2026?

In response, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that in 2025, they resolutely broke through obstruction and restrictions imposed by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, continued to advance cross-Strait travel and exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and continued to improve systems and policies to help Taiwan compatriots integrate into development on the mainland. Over the past year, cross-Strait exchanges were vibrant and full of highlights, with compatriots on both sides drawing closer and strengthening their bonds. Specifically, the following features stood out:

First, the scale of cross-Strait travel continued to expand. Over the year, guided by the principles of “greater openness, maximum convenience, and greater safety,” the mainland announced the resumption of group tours to Taiwan for residents of Fujian and Shanghai, introduced measures such as waiving the document fee for “first-time applicants” for Taiwan compatriot permits, expanding the number of ports where permits can be issued on arrival from 58 to 100, issuing electronic temporary Taiwan compatriot permits to those who lose their documents, and including Taiwan compatriots in pilot programs for lanes that do not require document presentation. This series of facilitation measures has continuously generated momentum and created favorable conditions for supporting and promoting exchanges between compatriots on both sides. In 2025, cross-Strait travel exceeded 5 million trips, reaching a new high in nearly six years.

Second, cross-Strait exchange activities were rich and continuous. Over the year, regions and departments organized a wide variety of exchange activities with diverse content. Cultural and grassroots exchanges remained lively, and cooperation and exchanges were widely carried out in fields such as education, publishing, medical and health services, sports, journalism, trade unions, women’s organizations, ethnic minorities, and religious affairs. Tens of thousands of Taiwan compatriots enthusiastically participated in major events such as the 17th Straits Forum and the Second Cross-Strait Chinese Culture Summit, showcasing a new atmosphere of shared affinity between compatriots in the new era and new journey. Around the important milestone of the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration, a series of events were held, including a commemorative conference and a Taiwan Restoration Day reception, and the book Major Events of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was published, with compatriots on both sides jointly remembering history and carrying forward the spirit of resistance.

Third, cross-Strait youth exchanges were particularly vibrant. Various regions and departments either upgraded and expanded existing flagship events or created new exchange platforms, incorporating elements such as intangible cultural heritage, Chinese animation, and sports. Activities such as the 2025 Cross-Strait Youth Summit, the Fifth Cross-Strait Youth Culture Month, and the Twelfth Taiwan Youth Lingnan Tour attracted tens of thousands of Taiwanese young people to the mainland, where they made friends with mainland youth, built mutual understanding, shared aspirations, and worked together toward the future.

Fourth, practical progress in cross-Strait integrated development achieved phased results. Relevant departments and Fujian Province actively implemented the Opinions of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on Supporting Fujian in Exploring a New Path for Cross-Strait Integrated Development and Building a Demonstration Zone for Cross-Strait Integrated Development, strongly promoting pilot policies that benefit Taiwan compatriots and improve livelihoods, providing better conditions for Taiwanese to study, work, and live in Fujian, and pushing forward solid progress in building the demonstration zone. The system of policies for equal treatment has been further improved, and Taiwan compatriots and youth have actively participated in development on the mainland, sharing development opportunities and achieving substantial results through professional exchanges and project cooperation.

Chen said that compatriots on both sides of the Strait share common bloodlines, culture, and history, bear a shared responsibility to the nation, and hold common expectations for the future. In 2026, they will resolutely implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important statements on Taiwan-related work and the Party’s overall strategy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era, continue to deepen exchanges, interactions, and integration across the Strait, strive to promote greater mutual affinity between compatriots, steadily advance the peaceful and integrated development of cross-Strait relations, and unwaveringly push forward the great cause of national reunification.

At the January 7 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked: Please introduce the situation regarding exchanges and dialogue with Taiwan’s political parties, groups, and representative figures in 2025. What are the plans for 2026?

In response, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that in 2025, on the shared political basis of adhering to the “1992 Consensus” and opposing “Taiwan independence,” they maintained positive interactions with relevant Taiwanese political parties, groups, and representative figures, consolidated and enhanced mutual trust, strengthened exchanges and cooperation, and achieved positive results.

First, they helped set the direction for the development of cross-Strait relations. On October 19, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Cheng Li-wen on her election as chair of the Chinese Kuomintang, noting that over the years, on the shared political basis of adhering to the “1992 Consensus” and opposing “Taiwan independence,” the two parties had promoted cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, worked to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and enhanced the well-being and bonds between compatriots on both sides, with positive results. On the same day, Cheng Li-wen sent a reply message expressing her thanks to General Secretary Xi. Xi’s congratulatory message pointed the way forward for the development of relations between the two parties and across the Strait, and received widespread attention and high praise from all sectors on both sides of the Strait and from the international community.

Second, they commemorated the 80th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and Taiwan’s restoration, jointly remembering history and defending its achievements. Representatives of island political parties such as the Kuomintang, the New Party, the Non-Partisan Solidarity Union, and the People First Party were invited to attend the commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Wang Huning met with Hung Hsiu-chu and other Taiwanese representatives who came to attend the events, promoting joint remembrance of the history of the national war of resistance, defense of the victory’s achievements, and joint efforts to advance the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the process of national reunification. Taiwan’s restoration is a shared glory of compatriots on both sides of the Strait and a collective memory of all Chinese people. Relevant political parties, groups, and figures in Taiwan held various commemorative activities to honor the martyrs and heroes, express national sentiments, share pride and dignity in being Chinese, and safeguard the shared home of the Chinese nation.

Third, they added momentum to cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation. Ma Ying-jeou, Hung Hsiu-chu, Wu Cheng-tien, Lin Bing-kun, and other representative figures from the Kuomintang, New Party, People First Party, Non-Partisan Solidarity Union, and other parties and groups led delegations to the mainland to attend the 17th Straits Forum, the Cross-Strait Grassroots Livelihood Development Exchange Conference, the 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival Exchange for Compatriots on Both Sides of the Strait, and other exchange activities and visits. They voiced positive messages about adhering to the “1992 Consensus,” opposing “Taiwan independence,” deepening cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, and benefiting compatriots on both sides.

Fourth, they sought to bring benefits to Taiwan compatriots. Relevant parties on both sides jointly held the 5th “Joining Hands to Realize Dreams—Cross-Strait Compatriots Exchange and Seminar,” reaching five consensuses including adherence to the one-China principle and safeguarding the shared home. Insightful figures from both sides conducted dialogue on issues such as the situation in the Taiwan Strait, cross-Strait relations, and prospects for reunification, voicing strong calls to oppose “Taiwan independence” separatism and foreign interference and to promote national reunification and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Several Taiwan county and city heads led delegations to visit the mainland, the Shanghai–Taipei City Forum was successfully held, and exchanges between counties, cities, and municipalities across the Strait continued to expand, with tangible results in areas such as Taiwan agricultural and fishery products entering the mainland market, youth exchanges, urban management, and grassroots governance experience-sharing.

Chen said that in the new year, they will focus on changes in the situation in the Taiwan Strait and the development of cross-Strait relations, thoroughly implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important instructions and the Party Central Committee’s decisions and deployments on Taiwan-related work, and, on the shared political basis of adhering to the “1992 Consensus” and opposing “Taiwan independence,” deepen exchanges, build consensus, consolidate mutual trust with relevant Taiwanese political parties, groups, and representative figures, and unite the broad masses of Taiwan compatriots to jointly promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and work together to advance the great cause of national reunification and national rejuvenation.

At the January 7 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked: The cross-Strait “Mini Three Links” passenger routes have now been in operation for 25 years. How do you evaluate the role the “Mini Three Links” have played in promoting cross-Strait exchanges?

In response, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that the “Mini Three Links” routes are one of the most important and most convenient channels for exchanges between people on both sides of the Strait—especially between Fujian and Taiwan—and have played an important role in deepening cross-Strait integrated development and enhancing the well-being of compatriots on both sides.

He said that the “Mini Three Links” started with the Xiamen–Kinmen and Mawei–Matsu routes, and have now expanded to four regular routes, closely linking the Fujian coast with Kinmen and Matsu and opening up a new chapter in direct people-to-people exchanges across the Strait. At present, the “Mini Three Links” have become a “pioneering corridor” for building a “first home for Taiwan compatriots and Taiwan enterprises on the mainland,” a “golden artery” for deepening Fujian–Taiwan and broader cross-Strait economic and trade cooperation, and an “emotional bond” for promoting deeper cross-Strait integration.

So far, the “Mini Three Links” have safely transported more than 26 million passenger trips.

Chen added that with the shortest routes and the most convenient means, the “Mini Three Links” have genuinely brought the hearts of compatriots on both sides of the Strait closer together. Their successful practice vividly demonstrates that closer ties and greater intimacy are what the people on both sides desire and represent an irresistible historical trend. By winning public support and pooling collective strength, the path of cross-Strait integrated development and exchange and cooperation will only continue to broaden.

At the January 7 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked: According to Taiwanese media reports, a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator proposed amending the current “Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area” to define cross-Strait relations as “Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China,” and to delete the wording “before national reunification” from the original provisions. Other media reports say that the proposer has already withdrawn the bill, while the proposer himself claims that “it has not yet been formally submitted.” What is your comment?

In response, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that they are paying close attention to these developments. He said that the proposal ignores the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan and the peace and well-being of Taiwan compatriots, openly challenges the historical and legal fact that Taiwan is part of China, and attempts to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait in which there is only one China and both the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China. He said it is a naked attempt to push “legal Taiwan independence,” deliberately escalating cross-Strait tensions and undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region. Its intentions are sinister and its nature is egregious, fully demonstrating that the Lai Ching-te authorities and the DPP are nothing less than “destroyers of peace,” “manufacturers of crises,” and “instigators of war.”

Chen said that “Taiwan independence” means war and is a dead end with no way out. He said China has full confidence and sufficient capability to smash any attempt at “legal Taiwan independence” in any form, and will never allow “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, under any name or in any way, to split Taiwan from China.

Chen added that history has already proven and will continue to prove that pursuing “Taiwan independence” separatism will never end well and will only lead to complete defeat. If “Taiwan independence” separatist forces dare to take reckless risks and cross red lines, China will, in accordance with the Anti-Secession Law, take resolute measures and deliver a head-on blow. He expressed the hope that Taiwan compatriots will clearly recognize the evil nature and grave harm of “Taiwan independence,” firmly stand on the correct side of history, resolutely oppose “Taiwan independence” separatist activities, and join together to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and protect the shared home of the Chinese nation.

At the January 7 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked: In recent years, the mainland has released several batches of lists of “diehard Taiwan independence” elements and “Taiwan independence” enforcers and accomplices. How many people are currently on each list? Will punishment be further intensified in the future to bring them to justice? Some public opinion on the island says that the mainland’s punitive measures currently have no substantive impact on these individuals. What is the spokesperson’s comment on this?

In response, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that “Taiwan independence” elements are criminals who split the country and undermine cross-Strait relations, and are also national traitors who seek “independence,” provoke war, and harm the interests and well-being of their compatriots. As of now, 14 “diehard Taiwan independence” elements and 12 “Taiwan independence” enforcers and accomplices have been announced.

He said that any “Taiwan independence” elements who break the law, no matter where they are, will face all necessary measures: they will be punished in accordance with the law and held accountable for life.