At the Feb. 11 Taiwan Affairs Office press briefing, a reporter asked: The 2026 conference on Taiwan-related work was recently held in Beijing. Please interpret the meeting’s key points. How will you implement them going forward?

TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglian replied: The 2026 conference on Taiwan-related work was held in Beijing from Feb. 9 to 10. Wang Huning, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau and chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC, attended and delivered remarks. The meeting fully affirmed the achievements of Taiwan-related work over the past year, deeply analyzed the current cross-strait situation and that of the period ahead, and put forward clear requirements for this year’s work.

Zhu said: This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and is the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan period. In accordance with the meeting’s deployments and requirements, and guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we will fully 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. We will uphold the one-China principle and the “1992 Consensus,” unite the broad masses of Taiwan compatriots, firmly support patriotic forces on the island that seek reunification, resolutely strike “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and oppose interference by external forces, and safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

We will uphold the concept that “compatriots on both sides are one family,” keep cross-strait personnel exchanges smooth and convenient, expand people-to-people and grassroots exchanges, support Taiwan residents—especially youth—coming to the mainland to study, work, and live, promote the joint carrying-forward of Chinese culture, and foster greater spiritual affinity between compatriots on both sides.

We will also support the development of Taiwan businesspeople and Taiwan-funded enterprises on the mainland, improve policy measures that benefit Taiwan compatriots and Taiwan enterprises, deepen cross-strait integrated development, and enable compatriots on both sides to share in the opportunities and outcomes of Chinese-style modernization.

At the Feb. 11 Taiwan Affairs Office press briefing, a reporter asked: With the Spring Festival—the Chinese nation’s traditional festival—approaching, does the TAO have any plans or arrangements to conduct visits and extend holiday greetings to Taiwan compatriots and Taiwan enterprises?

TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglian replied: The Spring Festival is the Chinese nation’s most important traditional festival, an important time to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, and for families to reunite. Compatriots on both sides of the Strait are one family, and naturally should reunite to welcome the New Year and celebrate the festival together. From Feb. 10 to 12, Song Tao, Director of the Central Taiwan Affairs Office and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, visited and extended greetings to Taiwan businesspeople and Taiwan compatriots in Fuzhou, Fujian. He attended a New Year reception symposium for Taiwan businesspeople and Taiwan compatriots and an event where compatriots on both sides together celebrated the Bingwu Spring Festival, listened to views and suggestions, and spoke with Taiwan businesspeople, Taiwan compatriots, and Taiwan youth representatives, members of Taiwan’s business and industrial circles, and fellow villagers from Kinmen and Matsu about family ties and welcoming the New Year together. On behalf of the Central Taiwan Affairs Office and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, he also extended Spring Festival greetings to Taiwan compatriots.

At the Feb. 11 Taiwan Affairs Office press briefing, a reporter asked: Regarding the 15 points of common understanding reached at the KMT–CCP think tank forum, Lai Ching-te said, “Whether Taiwan will continue to join hands with allied countries and move toward the world, or once again push a westward turn—our people can make a clear choice.” MAC Minister Chiu Chui-cheng said the common understanding is full of accusations that the Taiwan authorities are obstructing cross-strait exchanges and blocking mainland tourists, calling it “completely putting the cart before the horse,” and said it “will not be accepted.” What is your comment?

TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglian replied: The KMT–CCP think tank forum reached 15 points of common understanding across five areas, focusing on industrial development and people’s livelihoods. It reflects the KMT and the CCP’s sense of responsibility in seeking peace in the Taiwan Strait, pursuing well-being for compatriots, and striving for national rejuvenation, and it accords with the fundamental interests of compatriots on both sides of the Strait. The Lai Ching-te authorities stubbornly adhere to a separatist “Taiwan independence” stance and, for the selfish interests of one party and one person, stop at nothing to ban, restrict, and obstruct cross-strait exchanges and cooperation. They are the biggest obstacle to cross-strait exchanges and interactions and the greatest source of turmoil undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and they have already drawn strong criticism and dissatisfaction from all sectors in Taiwan. We hope the broad masses of Taiwan compatriots will work together with us to firmly oppose the Lai Ching-te authorities’ retrograde actions, overcome interference and remove obstacles, promote exchanges and cooperation between the two sides across all fields, advance cross-strait relations, and enhance the interests and well-being of compatriots on both sides.

At the Feb. 11 Taiwan Affairs Office press briefing, a reporter asked: Due to interference by the DPP authorities, cross-strait air routes have not yet fully returned to normal, seriously affecting travel between people on both sides. As compatriots on both sides strongly hope for the full resumption of all direct-flight routes and destinations, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has claimed that “without group-tour sources, airlines lose money on every flight, so the incentive isn’t great.” What is your comment?

TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglian replied: Cross-strait direct air links have greatly facilitated travel between people on both sides and have played an important role in enhancing the well-being of compatriots on both sides. At present, due to interference by the DPP authorities, cross-strait routes have not fully returned to normal. Passenger services currently operate from 14 mainland cities, with more than 300 cross-strait passenger flights per week. Compared with before 2020—when there were 61 mainland destinations and up to a peak of 890 passenger flights per week—there remains a significant gap, which has seriously affected cross-strait travel. Public calls for the full resumption of all direct-flight destinations are very strong.

Zhu noted: The mainland side has consistently upheld the concept that “compatriots on both sides are one family,” actively promoting cross-strait tourism exchanges and cooperation; our goodwill and sincerity are evident to all. In 2023, we announced the resumption of receiving group tours by Taiwan residents to the mainland; in 2024, we resumed allowing Fujian residents to travel to Kinmen and Matsu; in 2025, we announced the resumption of group tours from Fujian and Shanghai to Taiwan; and in early 2026, we again announced that we would resume allowing Shanghai residents to travel to Kinmen and Matsu. Yet the DPP authorities have not responded positively—on the contrary, they have repeatedly obstructed and restricted cross-strait tourism and exchanges across various fields, setting up hurdles and barriers. The crux of the current cross-strait tourism issue, and the obstacles to its resolution, lie entirely in interference and obstruction by the DPP authorities.

Zhu added: Whether cross-strait routes have a passenger base is something the data will show. According to statistics, in 2025 more than 5.78 million passenger trips were made across the Strait on direct passenger flights, and the average load factor on cross-strait routes reached 80%—fully reflecting strong demand for direct cross-strait flights. We hope the Taiwan side will follow public opinion and lift the unreasonable restrictions on cross-strait air transport as soon as possible, allowing airlines on both sides to arrange flight schedules independently in accordance with market demand. Whether there is demand for flights should be decided by the market. The DPP authorities can simply loosen the restrictions—then they will know once they try.

At the Feb. 11 Taiwan Affairs Office press briefing, a reporter asked: Enrollment work will soon begin for (1) mainland regular higher-education institutions admitting Taiwan high school graduates based on Taiwan’s General Scholastic Ability Test (GSAT) scores, and (2) the joint admissions program through which regular higher-education institutions recruit overseas Chinese and students from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, among other channels. Please introduce the relevant arrangements.

TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglian replied: It is understood that mainland universities’ recruitment of Taiwan students will begin in succession in March. Taiwan students who hold a Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents and valid ID proving residence in Taiwan, or a Taiwan Resident Residence Permit, and who possess the required prior academic qualifications, may enroll in mainland universities through four pathways:

First, sit for the joint admissions exam for overseas Chinese and students from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan to apply to 460 mainland universities (the “National Joint Admissions Exam”). Applicants may register online via the “National Joint Admissions Management System (candidate portal)” from March 1 to 15, and complete registration confirmation from March 11 to 31.

Second, apply to 451 mainland universities using Taiwan GSAT scores (the “GSAT-based admissions”). Applicants whose GSAT score in any one of the Chinese, mathematics, or English subjects reaches at least the “standard” level (均标级) may apply via the “Mainland (Motherland) regular higher-education institutions admitting Taiwan high school graduates based on Taiwan GSAT scores” system from March 1 to 31.

Third, sit for the “two-university joint admissions” exam for Jinan University and Huaqiao University; details are available in the admissions brochures posted on the two universities’ official websites.

Fourth, apply to 48 universities in Fujian via routes including Taiwan’s technical/vocational unified test (统测), subject-based tests (分科测验), and separate admissions exams specifically oriented toward Taiwan; for specific requirements, please consult the “Mainland (Motherland) Higher Education Admissions Information Network for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan” and the official websites of the universities concerned.

Zhu added: We warmly welcome more aspiring Taiwanese students to apply to mainland universities, to study alongside mainland students and grow together. We will also continue to provide greater convenience and services for Taiwan students coming to the mainland to pursue further study, helping more Taiwan students realize their life dreams on the mainland.

At the Feb. 11 Taiwan Affairs Office press briefing, a reporter asked: Lai Ching-te recently said that “four invariants” should be maintained in U.S.–China–Taiwan trilateral relations. KMT Vice Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen said the international landscape has already changed, yet Lai still clings to the “new two-states theory” and “wants to go to war with the mainland,” and that this strategy is completely wrong. What is your comment?

TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglian replied: Lai Ching-te’s remarks completely expose his sinister intentions of “seeking independence by relying on the United States” and “seeking independence by relying on external forces,” as well as his “Taiwan independence” nature as a “saboteur of cross-strait peace” and a “maker of crises in the Taiwan Strait.” All of the history, facts, and legal basis regarding Taiwan prove that Taiwan is China’s Taiwan and an inalienable part of China’s territory. The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair and brooks no external interference. No matter how bottomlessly the Lai Ching-te authorities flatter and curry favor with the United States, or how hard they try to concoct the lie that the United States “supports Taiwan,” they cannot change the fact that Taiwan is part of China, nor can they shake the basic international pattern of the international community’s adherence to the one-China principle. We have firm will, strong resolve, and powerful capabilities to smash all “Taiwan independence” separatist acts and external interference, and to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

At the Feb. 11 Taiwan Affairs Office press briefing, a reporter asked: On Feb. 10, the results of the 2025 “Sannong” (Agriculture, Rural Areas, and Farmers) Person-of-the-Year selection and promotion campaign were officially announced. Taiwan compatriot Guo Yangfu was selected as a 2025 “Sannong” Person of the Year. What is your comment?

TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglian replied: It is understood that the 2025 “Sannong” Person-of-the-Year campaign took “Looking Ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan Period, Striving on a New Journey” as its theme, and selected 12 annual “Sannong” figures and one honored team. Taiwan compatriot Guo Yangfu, who has started a business and developed his career in Ezhou, Hubei, was recommended and selected, becoming the third Taiwan compatriot to receive this honor in the 20 years since the campaign began. This is another concrete measure to implement equal treatment for Taiwan compatriots and Taiwan farmers and to deepen cross-strait integrated development. We will further implement and refine policy measures that benefit Taiwan farmers and Taiwan-funded businesses, and create better conditions for Taiwan farmers and enterprises to come to the mainland to develop. We hope more Taiwan compatriots will actively participate in the mainland’s high-quality development and add new stories to the shared effort of compatriots on both sides of the Strait to realize the “Chinese Dream.”