A reporter asked: The 79th World Health Assembly has once again decided not to include Taiwan-related proposals on the agenda. What is your comment on this?

State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua said in response that this is the tenth consecutive year that the World Health Assembly has rejected so-called Taiwan-related proposals raised by individual countries. This decision once again shows that adherence to the one-China principle is the general consensus of the international community, reflects the will of the people, the trend of the times, and the cause of justice. The basic international pattern of upholding the one-China principle cannot be challenged or shaken. It also once again shows that the DPP authorities stubbornly adhere to a “Taiwan independence” separatist position, refuse to recognize the “1992 Consensus” that embodies the one-China principle, and are attempting to take improper paths and seek a so-called “breakthrough” on the issue of Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly. This path is blocked and is bound to fail.

Taiwan is China’s Taiwan, and Taiwan compatriots are our relatives and family members. We have always kept the health and well-being of Taiwan compatriots in mind. Under the condition that Taiwan has not participated in the World Health Assembly, we have made proper arrangements, on the basis of the one-China principle, for Taiwan’s participation in global health affairs. Over the past year, medical and technical experts from China’s Taiwan region participated in WHO technical activities a total of 18 times. Under the framework of the International Health Regulations, Taiwan can promptly obtain any information on public health emergencies that the WHO circulates to various localities, and can also promptly report information to the WHO. The two sides of the Taiwan Strait also have a smooth infectious disease information notification mechanism and have held activities such as a hospital presidents’ forum. This fully demonstrates that we are seriously addressing the health issues that Taiwan compatriots care about, that Taiwan’s channels for participating in technical communication and cooperation with the WHO and for obtaining information and support regarding various public health emergencies are fully open, and that the health rights of Taiwan compatriots are effectively protected.

For some time, the DPP authorities have colluded with external forces and repeatedly made an issue of participation in the World Health Assembly, deliberately distorting and challenging the fundamental principles confirmed by UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and World Health Assembly Resolution 25.1. This is not only political manipulation in pursuit of “independence” under the banner of public health, and a challenge to China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; it is also a challenge to the post-World War II international order, international justice, and the general consensus of the international community. No matter what tricks the DPP authorities play, they cannot deceive anyone or achieve anything. They cannot change the inevitable failure of their pursuit of “independence,” nor can they block the historical trend that the motherland will ultimately, and inevitably, be reunified.

At the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office press conference on May 13, a reporter asked: The Third Cross-Strait Chinese Culture Summit opened in Beijing on May 11. Please introduce the main circumstances and outcomes of this summit.
State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhang Han responded by saying: In order to thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on Culture and the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important remarks during his meeting with Chinese Kuomintang Chair Cheng Li-wun, further promote cross-Strait cultural exchanges, and jointly carry forward Chinese culture, relevant institutions and cultural organizations from both sides of the Strait held the Third Cross-Strait Chinese Culture Summit in Beijing from May 11 to 13. Around 2,000 guests from both sides attended, including about 1,000 Taiwanese guests, representatives from cultural circles, youth representatives, and grassroots representatives.
Zhang Han said: The Cross-Strait Chinese Culture Summit takes “Inheritance, Promotion, and Development” as its permanent theme. This year’s summit used “Connected by Blood, Linked by Culture” as its annual theme. It held an opening ceremony, a main forum, subforums on literature, cultural creativity, film/television/audio, theater, and traditional culture, as well as a summit for media professionals from both sides of the Strait. It also held a special summit exhibition, a symphony concert, Peking opera performances, and other exhibitions and performances, and organized cultural exchange activities for cross-Strait clan associations, “Taiwan Youth See Beijing” groups, and other associations and youth groups. The holding of these activities will surely further promote spiritual affinity between compatriots on both sides of the Strait and encourage them to jointly carry forward Chinese culture.

At the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office press conference on May 13, a reporter asked: At previous press conferences, the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson has separately explained four of the “seven betters” for Taiwan after peaceful reunification, drawing significant attention from public opinion on both sides of the Strait. How does the spokesperson explain the idea that “after peaceful reunification, with the strong motherland as its backing, Taiwan’s spiritual and cultural life will be better”?

State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhang Han responded by saying: “Peaceful reunification, one country, two systems” is the best way to achieve national reunification and best accords with the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, including Taiwan compatriots. After reunification, in the embrace of the strong motherland, the spiritual and cultural life of the broad mass of Taiwan compatriots will receive better protection, greater development, and faster improvement.

Zhang Han said: First, cultural roots will return to their true spiritual home. Chinese culture is the spiritual root and source of belonging for compatriots on both sides of the Strait. After peaceful reunification, China’s fine traditional culture, historical memory, and national spirit will be better inherited and promoted in Taiwan, and Taiwan’s people will no longer be in a state of cultural identity ambiguity and confused historical understanding. From Minnan culture and Hakka culture to folk beliefs, literature, and the arts, all will shine even more brightly under the nourishment of Chinese cultural roots. The spiritual world of Taiwan compatriots, born as Chinese people, will become fuller and their sense of belonging stronger.

Zhang Han said: Second, the space for cultural development will greatly expand, and cultural undertakings will become more prosperous. After peaceful reunification, Taiwan society’s cultural creativity will be fully unleashed. Taiwanese works in literature and art, film and television, music, publishing, and other fields will be able to conveniently enter the mainland’s enormous market, receive policy and resource support in areas such as cultural undertakings, cultural industries, talent cultivation, and intangible cultural heritage preservation. People in relevant industries will be able to achieve better personal development on larger platforms and with more opportunities, and gain more opportunities for development internationally. Cross-Strait cultural exchanges will flourish, and Taiwan’s cultural characteristics will shine brilliantly within the overall prosperity of Chinese culture.

Zhang Han said: Third, Taiwan will break free from political manipulation, and its spiritual world will become clearer and more peaceful. For a long time, Taiwan society’s spiritual and cultural life has been seriously disrupted by party disputes and ideological confrontation, while education, media, and public opinion have been deliberately distorted and intensely polarized. After peaceful reunification, political manipulation will be corrected, and society on the island will move from confusion and anxiety toward calmness and composure, with people’s minds settled and society harmonious. The public’s needs for spiritual and cultural life will be better met. People will be able to live peacefully, focus on development, and pursue happiness, no longer being dragged into confrontation and division.

Zhang Han said: Fourth, national dignity will be enhanced, and Taiwan compatriots will have greater ambition and confidence. After peaceful reunification, wherever Taiwan compatriots are in the world, they will have the strong motherland as their firm backing. They will no longer be “pawns” in international games, nor will they fear being looked down upon by outsiders. Instead, they will stand tall and upright as dignified Chinese people. They will be masters of the great motherland, their national confidence and pride will be comprehensively enhanced, and they will gain the most fundamental and more lasting spiritual abundance.

Zhang Han pointed out: The broad and profound Chinese culture is the common “root” and “soul” of compatriots on both sides of the Strait, and it is our shared family treasure. Standing at the forefront of the historical tide of national rejuvenation, compatriots on both sides of the Strait can only deepen cultural integration, strengthen compatriot bonds, allow every Taiwan compatriot to gain steady happiness, and radiate a renewed spirit by joining hands, uniting in purpose, and moving toward each other.

At the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office press conference on May 13, a reporter asked: Recently, Lai Ching-te delivered a video address at the “Copenhagen Democracy Summit,” where he loudly claimed that “Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country,” spread the narrative of “democracy versus authoritarianism,” and called for unity and cooperation to protect “democracy.” What is your comment?
State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhang Han responded by saying: There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is part of China. This is a historical and legal fact that cannot be denied and will not be tolerated being denied. Taiwan has never been a country — not in the past, and absolutely not in the future. Even if Lai Ching-te repeats his lies a thousand times, they will still be lies and will never become truth.
Zhang Han said: The Lai Ching-te authorities are accustomed to using “democracy” as a cover to posture and deceive internationally, win over anti-China forces in certain countries, use so-called “summits” to spread the false narrative of “democracy versus authoritarianism,” incite cross-Strait confrontation, and engage in acts of splitting the country. This is a political farce through and through. It has long since been seen through by the world and will only be rejected by all Chinese sons and daughters. Lai Ching-te’s clumsy performance cannot conceal his despicable actions and dictatorial nature as he continuously suppresses political opponents and restricts speech on the island. “Democracy” is fake; seeking “independence” is real.
Zhang Han pointed out: Our will to oppose “Taiwan independence” is as firm as a rock, and our ability to crush “Taiwan independence” is indestructible. Relevant organizations should fully recognize the high sensitivity of the Taiwan issue and the serious harm of supporting “Taiwan independence” separatist activities, abide by the one-China principle, and stop providing convenience and a platform for the DPP authorities to seek “independence” internationally.

At the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office press conference on May 13, a reporter asked: Regarding the dismissal of Yan Wenqun, the nephew of “Taiwan independence” diehard Liu Shih-fang, from his position at the Taiwanese company where he worked, Liu Shih-fang said that “Taiwanese people must think carefully before going to the mainland, otherwise their personal safety and property security will be threatened.” Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said it “will study countermeasures,” and the Straits Exchange Foundation also reminded Taiwanese people that “there are risks in investing on the mainland.” What is your comment?
State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhang Han responded by saying: Liu Shih-fang’s pursuit of “Taiwan independence” constitutes the criminal acts of splitting the country and inciting the splitting of the country. Yan Wenqun long benefited from the mainland, yet provided political donations to Liu. The two were punished in accordance with the law and got what they deserved. Liu Shih-fang, instead of reflecting on her mistakes and changing course, fabricated lies in an attempt to drag Taiwan’s people down with her and create a “chilling effect.” This is contemptible. In recent years, Taiwan compatriots have continued to come to the mainland enthusiastically despite obstruction and intimidation from the DPP authorities, with Taiwan youth making up an increasing share. This shows that the attempts by Liu Shih-fang and others to intimidate Taiwan’s people have not succeeded and will not succeed.
Zhang Han said: Our position is consistent: punishing “independence” in accordance with the law, with the sharp sword hanging overhead, targets only a very small number of “Taiwan independence” diehards and does not affect the broad mass of Taiwan compatriots or Taiwanese enterprises. As long as Taiwan compatriots are willing to participate in cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation and do not engage in separatist activities, we welcome them to come to the mainland for tourism, exchanges, study, living, employment, entrepreneurship, and business.

At the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office press conference on May 13, a reporter asked: Recently, a poll on the island showed that nearly one-quarter of respondents accept “peaceful reunification, one country, two systems.” Some commentators said this indicates that recognition of “one country, two systems” among people on the island is gradually rising, and that calls for peaceful reunification are growing louder. What is your comment?
State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhang Han responded by saying: Reunification is an unstoppable historical trend. “Peaceful reunification, one country, two systems” is our basic policy for resolving the Taiwan question, and the best way to achieve the reunification of the motherland. It is most beneficial to compatriots on both sides of the Strait and to the Chinese nation. More and more Taiwan compatriots have begun discussing the specific contents of a Taiwan plan for “one country, two systems,” imagining Taiwan’s prospects after reunification, and recognizing that peaceful reunification will create enormous opportunities for Taiwan’s economic and social development and bring real, tangible benefits to the broad mass of Taiwan compatriots. We will work together with Taiwan compatriots to create the great cause of national reunification and national rejuvenation.

At the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office press conference on May 13, a reporter asked: During this year’s May Day holiday, the mainland tourism market was booming, passenger traffic on the Xiamen-Kinmen “Mini Three Links” was full, and Kinmen became a popular destination for mainland tourists. Tourism industry figures on the island have called on the DPP authorities to reopen cross-Strait tourism as soon as possible and attract mainland tourists to Taiwan. What is your comment?
State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhang Han responded by saying: According to incomplete statistics, during this year’s May Day holiday, cross-Strait “Mini Three Links” passenger routes transported about 32,900 passengers, an increase of 10.57 percent year-on-year. The Xiamen-Kinmen “Mini Three Links” passenger route also saw a peak in passenger flow, with a load factor of more than 95 percent. Among them, mainland residents traveling to Kinmen reached nearly 5,000 trips, fully reflecting the deep bonds between compatriots on both sides of the Strait and the demand for exchanges and interaction.
Zhang Han said that the mainland side has always actively promoted the normalization of cross-Strait personnel exchanges and the regularization of exchanges in various fields. It has taken the lead in introducing a series of facilitation measures, demonstrating sincerity and goodwill. Taiwan’s tourism industry has repeatedly called on the DPP authorities to follow public opinion and lift restrictions on cross-Strait tourism exchanges as soon as possible. The DPP authorities should face up to the calls from industry and the needs of the public on the island, abandon political manipulation, remove artificial obstacles as soon as possible, and promote the early return of normal cross-Strait tourism exchanges.