Author: Chris Dayton
During the recent Justice Mission-2025 exercises around Taiwan, a key focus was rehearsing a blockade of Taiwan’s major energy import facilities. Taiwan imports nearly 96% of its energy, primarily oil and LNG.
Our visualization shows the locations of Taiwan’s energy import and distribution facilities alongside live-fire zones from recent joint exercises around the island.
A reporter asked: According to Taiwanese media reports, some DPP lawmakers have proposed amending Taiwan’s current “Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area,” defining cross-strait relations in terms of “Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China,” and deleting the wording “before national reunification” from the original provisions. What is your comment?
Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, responded: We are paying close attention to these developments. This proposal disregards the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan and the safety and well-being of Taiwan compatriots. It openly challenges the historical and legal fact that Taiwan is a part of China, and attempts to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait—namely, that there is only one China and that the mainland and Taiwan both belong to one China. It is a naked push for “de jure Taiwan independence,” a deliberate attempt to raise cross-strait tensions, and a move that undermines 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, without question, “destroyers of peace,” “manufacturers of crises,” and “inciters of war.”
“Taiwan independence” means war—it is a dead end, a road to ruin. We have full confidence and sufficient capability to crush any attempt at “de jure Taiwan independence” in any form, and we will never allow “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, under any name or by any means, to split Taiwan from China!
History has already proven—and will continue to prove—that pursuing “Taiwan independence” separatism will never end well; it will only lead to total defeat. If the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces dare to take reckless risks and cross the red line, we will, in accordance with the Anti-Secession Law, take resolute measures and deliver a head-on blow. We hope the broad masses of Taiwan compatriots clearly recognize the evil nature and serious harm of “Taiwan independence,” firmly stand on the correct side of history, resolutely oppose “Taiwan independence” separatist activities, and together with us safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and protect our shared home of the Chinese nation.
Author: Ethan Connell
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!
29 December 2025
CCTV Reporter: This morning, the Eastern Theater Command conducted military exercises near Taiwan Island. According to reports, these drills are a response to the United States’ recent large-scale arms sale to Taiwan totaling 11.1 billion USD. What is the spokesperson’s comment?
Lin Jian: The spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command has already released information regarding the exercises. The People’s Liberation Army’s military drills are a stern punishment for the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces who attempt to “seek independence through armed means.” They are a necessary action to safeguard China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
I want to emphasize that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities obstinately cling to a “Taiwan independence” position, attempting to “rely on the U.S. to seek independence,” and are willing to turn Taiwan into a “powder keg” and “ammunition depot.” This fully exposes their malicious nature as “destroyers of peace,” “creators of crises,” and “instigators of war.”
External forces, by “using Taiwan to contain China” and arming Taiwan, will only inflate the arrogance of ‘Taiwan independence’ forces and push the Taiwan Strait toward a dangerous state of conflict.
The Taiwan question lies at the core of China’s core interests. China’s determination to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity is unwavering. Any provocative act that crosses the line on the Taiwan question will be met with a firm Chinese response, and any attempt to obstruct China’s reunification will never succeed.
Reuters reporter: Was the trigger for China’s military exercises near Taiwan the U.S. arms sale to Taiwan worth 11.1 billion USD? And when the Eastern Theater Command referred to “external interference forces,” was it referring to the United States? (A reporter from Japan’s NHK asked a similar question.)
Lin Jian: I want to emphasize once again that China’s determination to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity is unwavering. Any egregious act of crossing the line on the Taiwan question will inevitably be met with a firm response from China.
Reporter: On December 29, the Eastern Theater Command conducted the “Justice Mission–2025” exercise around Taiwan. Some foreign media claim the drills are a response to the United States’ recent large-scale arms sales to Taiwan. Do you have any comment?
Zhang Xiaogang: The Eastern Theater Command immediately released information on the “Justice Mission–2025” exercise. This exercise is a serious warning to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and external interference forces, and a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.
In recent days, external forces have repeatedly crossed lines on the Taiwan question, attempting to embolden “Taiwan independence” separatists, intensify cross-strait confrontation, severely undermine China’s sovereignty and security, and gravely damage peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The Lai Ching-te authorities, meanwhile, have shamelessly aligned themselves with external forces, recklessly provoking with their pursuit of “independence,” and have become the root cause of tension and the chief source of instability in the Taiwan Strait.
“Taiwan independence” and peace in the Taiwan Strait are as incompatible as fire and water. External forces that indulge or support “Taiwan independence” will only end up burning themselves and suffering the consequences. We urge relevant countries to abandon their fantasy of “using Taiwan to contain China,” stop fueling tensions on the Taiwan question, and refrain from challenging China’s determination and resolve to defend its core interests.
We also sternly warn the DPP authorities: seeking independence by relying on external forces is doomed to fail, and resisting reunification with military force leads to a dead end. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army will never hesitate in combating separatism and promoting reunification. It will continue to carry out anti-secession and anti-interference operations to firmly safeguard national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
31 December 2025
An exchange from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding a Japanese politician’s plan to visit Taiwan as proof it is an “independent country” :
Tokyo Television reporter: A Japanese House of Councillors member, Shi Ping (Hei Seki), said on social media today that he plans to visit Taiwan early next year and claimed that he has been banned from entering China. He said that if he is able to enter Taiwan, it would prove that Taiwan is an “independent country” unrelated to China. What is China’s comment on this?
Lin Jian: Such despicable remarks and behavior by a scoundrel are not worth commenting on.
31 December 2025
At the December 31 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked for comment on the People’s Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command’s organization, starting on December 29, of forces from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force to conduct the “Justice Mission–2025” exercise around Taiwan, which has drawn close attention on the island and caused strong reactions.
In response, Zhang Han, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that the PLA’s relevant military actions constitute a solemn warning to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and external interference, and are a necessary and just measure to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Lai Ching-te authorities are engaging in “Taiwan independence” separatist activities, currying favor with foreign forces without principles and selling out Taiwan without limits. They are willing to sacrifice Taiwan’s economic development and people’s well-being as they recklessly rush down a misguided path of colluding with external forces to pursue “independence” provocations and militarization. This has severely damaged cross-Strait relations, gravely threatened peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and seriously harmed the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation and the vital interests of Taiwan compatriots. Any “Taiwan independence” separatist actions will never be tolerated or indulged and will be met with decisive and severe blows.
Taiwan is China’s Taiwan. Any external forces that attempt to intervene in the Taiwan question or interfere in China’s internal affairs will inevitably smash themselves against the Great Wall of steel forged by the People’s Liberation Army and suffer crushing defeat. The historical trend toward national reunification is unstoppable, and no one should underestimate our firm resolve, unwavering will, or strong capability to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. These military actions are directed at “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and external interference, and are intended to deter “Taiwan independence” forces from colluding with external powers to bring turmoil to the Taiwan Strait. Their purpose is to fundamentally safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, protect the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, and safeguard the vital interests of Taiwan compatriots. They are by no means targeted at the broad masses of Taiwan compatriots.
He expressed the hope that Taiwan compatriots will clearly recognize the extreme danger and harm of the Lai Ching-te authorities’ “Taiwan independence” separatist path, join in resolutely opposing “Taiwan independence” separatism and foreign interference, firmly safeguard the shared home of the Chinese nation, and work together to create a bright future of national reunification and national rejuvenation.
China News Service reporter: After China recently took countermeasures and punitive actions on Taiwan-related issues and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army conducted military exercises near the island of Taiwan, many countries—including Russia, Cuba, Serbia, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, and Pakistan—have expressed support. What is China’s comment on this?
Lin Jian: Since China announced the relevant countermeasures and carried out the related military exercises, dozens of countries have expressed support for China’s position in various forms. They have pointed out that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, that the Taiwan question is China’s internal affair, opposed any form of “Taiwan independence,” supported China’s defense of national sovereignty and territorial integrity, opposed external interference in China’s internal affairs, and stated that they will continue to abide by the one-China principle. We highly appreciate the firm support expressed by these countries for China’s position.
We would like to reiterate that China’s resolve to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity is unwavering; its resolve to defend national reunification and national interests is unwavering; and its resolve to curb “Taiwan independence” separatist forces from colluding with external forces and disrupting peace in the Taiwan Strait is unwavering. Any egregious act that crosses red lines and provokes China on the Taiwan question will be met with resolute countermeasures, and any sinister attempt to obstruct China’s reunification will not succeed.
China Central Television (CCTV) reporter: It is reported that Japan, Australia, EU institutions, and some European countries have publicly expressed concern over China’s military exercises near Taiwan. How does the spokesperson respond?
Lin Jian: These countries and institutions turn a deaf ear to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces seeking independence through force and turn a blind eye to external forces interfering in China’s internal affairs, yet they criticize China’s necessary and just actions to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. They distort facts, confuse right and wrong, and act with blatant hypocrisy. China firmly opposes this and has lodged solemn representations.
Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair and brooks no external interference. The biggest reality in the Taiwan Strait is that both sides of the Strait belong to one China, and the greatest threat to peace and stability in the Strait comes from “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and the indulgence and support they receive from external forces.
The one-China principle is a broad consensus of the international community and a fundamental norm governing international relations. It is the political foundation for China’s relations with the 183 countries with which it has diplomatic ties. Japan, Australia, and European countries made political commitments to this principle when establishing diplomatic relations with China. We strongly urge the countries and institutions concerned to strictly abide by the one-China principle, stop interfering in China’s internal affairs, and stop condoning and supporting “Taiwan independence” separatist activities.
31 December 2025
An exchange from the Taiwan Affairs Office regarding the China Coast Guard’s execution of law enforcement patrols in the restricted waters surrounding Kinmen:
At the December 31 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked for comment on the mainland Coast Guard once again entering the so-called “restricted waters” near Kinmen to conduct law-enforcement patrols. Taiwan’s maritime patrol authority claimed that “the mainland Coast Guard deliberately formed up to harass vessels, disregarded navigational safety, and created significant navigation risks for passing ships.”
In response, Zhang Han, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China, and that Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu are all parts of China; therefore, there is fundamentally no such thing as so-called “restricted waters.” Claims that the mainland “disregarded the navigational safety of passing vessels” are entirely groundless.
The mainland Coast Guard’s law-enforcement patrols in the relevant waters are carried out in accordance with the law and are precisely intended to maintain normal navigation and operational order in those waters, as well as to safeguard the lives and property of fishermen on both sides of the Strait.
For a long time, the Democratic Progressive Party authorities have ignored the historical and objective facts of fishermen from both sides jointly operating in traditional fishing grounds. Their groundless detentions and even dangerous and rough treatment of mainland fishing vessels and fishermen are the real culprits creating navigation risks for passing ships and seriously threatening the lives and property of fishermen.
At the December 31 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked for comment on the People’s Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command’s organization, starting on December 29, of forces from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force to conduct the “Justice Mission–2025” exercise around Taiwan, which has drawn close attention on the island and caused strong reactions.
In response, Zhang Han, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that the PLA’s relevant military actions constitute a solemn warning to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and external interference, and are a necessary and just measure to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Lai Ching-te authorities are engaging in “Taiwan independence” separatist activities, currying favor with foreign forces without principles and selling out Taiwan without limits. They are willing to sacrifice Taiwan’s economic development and people’s well-being as they recklessly rush down a misguided path of colluding with external forces to pursue “independence” provocations and militarization. This has severely damaged cross-Strait relations, gravely threatened peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and seriously harmed the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation and the vital interests of Taiwan compatriots. Any “Taiwan independence” separatist actions will never be tolerated or indulged and will be met with decisive and severe blows.
Taiwan is China’s Taiwan. Any external forces that attempt to intervene in the Taiwan question or interfere in China’s internal affairs will inevitably smash themselves against the Great Wall of steel forged by the People’s Liberation Army and suffer crushing defeat. The historical trend toward national reunification is unstoppable, and no one should underestimate our firm resolve, unwavering will, or strong capability to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. These military actions are directed at “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and external interference, and are intended to deter “Taiwan independence” forces from colluding with external powers to bring turmoil to the Taiwan Strait. Their purpose is to fundamentally safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, protect the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, and safeguard the vital interests of Taiwan compatriots. They are by no means targeted at the broad masses of Taiwan compatriots.
He expressed the hope that Taiwan compatriots will clearly recognize the extreme danger and harm of the Lai Ching-te authorities’ “Taiwan independence” separatist path, join in resolutely opposing “Taiwan independence” separatism and foreign interference, firmly safeguard the shared home of the Chinese nation, and work together to create a bright future of national reunification and national rejuvenation.
At the December 31 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked for comment on recent opinion polls in Taiwan showing that more than half of respondents believe the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is “not trustworthy,” “lacks governing competence,” and is “not clean.”
In response, Zhang Han, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that the polls reflect the strong dissatisfaction of Taiwan’s public with the DPP authorities for disregarding the interests and well-being of the people, stubbornly pursuing “independence” provocations, engaging in vicious political infighting, suppressing political opponents, and insisting on “currying favor with foreign forces and selling out Taiwan.”
He said that since Lai Ching-te took office, he has stubbornly adhered to a “Taiwan independence” separatist stance, disregarding the interests and well-being of the vast majority of Taiwan compatriots and businesses. The authorities have further intensified their obstruction and restriction of cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, forcibly promoted economic “decoupling and supply-chain severance” across the Strait, and pursued bottomless “pro-foreign appeasement and selling out Taiwan,” allowing external forces to take whatever they want.
He added that they have squandered the hard-earned money of Taiwan’s people on the purchase of foreign weapons, used the process to line their own pockets, and engaged in corruption, pushing Taiwan toward the dangerous brink of military confrontation and conflict. He expressed hope that the broad masses of Taiwan compatriots will clearly recognize the DPP authorities’ harmful nature and ugly true face, and will consciously draw a clear line between themselves and “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and their activities.
At the December 31 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked for comment on remarks recently made by Cheng Li-wen, chairperson of the Kuomintang. While speaking with university students in Taiwan, she said that in Taiwan today, saying “I am Chinese” means having to bear an inexplicable “original sin,” which she described as the result of 30 years of malicious manipulation by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). She added that identifying as Chinese is a natural cultural and historical identity and should not be demonized by the DPP. What is your response?
In reply, Zhang Han, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China. People on both sides are members of the Chinese nation and are all Chinese. This is a historical fact, a cultural understanding, a matter of shared heritage, and a legal reality—one that no one can deny.
He said that driven by their pursuit of “independence,” the DPP authorities have deliberately manipulated “de-Sinicization,” attempting to sever historical and cultural links across the Strait. In doing so, they seek to mislead the people of Taiwan, causing confusion over historical memory and distortion of national identity among Taiwan’s younger generation, with far-reaching harmful consequences. Voices of protest and criticism against this have continued to emerge from all sectors of Taiwanese society.
He added that the DPP authorities’ political manipulation is doomed to be futile and will not succeed.
At the December 31 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked: As mainland (the motherland) universities are about to begin recruiting postgraduate students from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, could you introduce the relevant arrangements?
In response, Zhang Han, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that according to available information, mainland (the motherland) universities will soon launch their recruitment of postgraduate students from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. Taiwanese students who hold a Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents and valid identification proving residence in Taiwan, or a Taiwan Resident Residence Permit, and who possess the required prior academic qualifications, may log on to the “Mainland (the Motherland) Universities Admissions Information Website for Students from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan” between January 4 and January 11, 2026, to apply for postgraduate programs at more than 200 mainland universities, in accordance with the relevant requirements and procedures.
It is worth noting that for the 2026 postgraduate entrance examinations for students from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, a new examination center in Fuzhou has been added to the existing centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Macao. Taiwanese students may choose an examination location according to their circumstances.
After years of development, the mainland’s higher education system has seen marked improvements in research capacity, academic standards, and the quality of talent cultivation, with achievements that are plain for all to see. We warmly welcome Taiwanese students to apply to mainland universities and will continue to create better conditions to support their growth, success, and pursuit of life goals while studying on the mainland.
At the December 31 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked for comment on remarks recently made by Chiu Chui-cheng, head of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council. Chiu said that “the obstacles to cross-Strait exchanges currently still lie on the mainland; the mainland is still applying compound pressure on Taiwan, and Taiwan hopes to create a favorable cross-Strait atmosphere.” What is your response?
In reply, Zhang Han, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that these remarks ignore the facts and turn right and wrong upside down. The chief culprit behind inciting confrontation across the Strait and restricting cross-Strait exchanges is the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities. Since taking office, the DPP authorities—driven by their selfish pursuit of “independence”—have repeatedly used various excuses and methods to obstruct and restrict normal cross-Strait exchanges and people-to-people travel. They have also carried out what he described as “green terror,” created a “chilling effect,” and escalated cross-Strait confrontation. Such regressive actions have already drawn growing strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition from more and more people in Taiwan.
Exchanges and cooperation between people on both sides of the Strait cannot be stopped. We have always upheld the concept that “people on both sides of the Strait are one family,” and we welcome Taiwan compatriots to visit the mainland, take part in exchanges and cooperation across various fields, share in the development opportunities of Chinese-style modernization, and jointly create enduring well-being for the Chinese nation.
At the December 31 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked for comment on Taiwan’s executive authorities recently approving draft amendments to the “Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area.” The proposed revisions would add new provisions requiring certain categories of people—such as elected representatives and county or city heads who have left office for less than three years—to obtain approval before traveling to the mainland. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council claimed that the move is intended to enhance security safeguards and strengthen civic oversight to prevent the mainland’s so-called “united front infiltration.”
In response, Zhang Han, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that driven by their inherent pursuit of “independence,” the Democratic Progressive Party authorities are scheming to restrict cross-Strait exchanges and undermine cross-Strait relations. They are carrying out what he described as “Taiwan independence authoritarianism” and “green terror” on the island, creating widespread anxiety and insecurity throughout Taiwanese society. These actions have already drawn increasing opposition and condemnation from the people of Taiwan.
Facts have already proven—and will continue to prove—that the prevailing public will for peace, development, exchange, and cooperation cannot be suppressed. The surging tide of cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation cannot be stopped.
At the December 31 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked for comment on the recent announcement by the United States of large-scale arms sales to China’s Taiwan region, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ recent decision to impose countermeasures against 20 U.S. defense companies and 10 senior executives.
In response, Zhang Han, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that China firmly opposes any form of military ties between the United States and China’s Taiwan region. Relevant U.S. companies and individuals have participated in arming Taiwan and have brazenly interfered in China’s internal affairs; China has therefore taken countermeasures against them in accordance with the law and relevant regulations.
The Taiwan question concerns the national sentiments of more than 1.4 billion Chinese people and lies at the very core of China’s core interests. It is the first and most insurmountable red line in China–U.S. relations. Any country or force that plays with fire on the Taiwan question will inevitably pay a price.
We once again urge the U.S. side to abide by the one-China principle and the three China–U.S. joint communiqués, to stop the dangerous practice of arming Taiwan, and to handle the Taiwan question with the utmost caution. The Democratic Progressive Party authorities’ attempts to “seek independence by relying on the United States” and to “seek independence through force” are doomed to fail and will inevitably be met with severe consequences.
