Taiwan Affairs Office Condemns "Independence" Provocations Amid Rising Tensions

On Wednesday, a representative from the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office expressed strong condemnation of the recent provocative remarks and actions taken by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials in Taiwan. The spokesperson reaffirmed the Chinese mainland’s commitment to holding secessionists accountable and called upon the people of Taiwan to unite against the provocations of pro-independence groups and external influences, with the aim of ensuring peace in the Taiwan Straits while promoting exchanges and cooperation across the waters.

In his response to Taiwan’s regional leader Lai Ching-te's New Year address—where he reiterated his support for "Taiwan independence" and framed the struggle as one of democracy against authoritarianism—the spokesperson, Chen Binhua, highlighted Lai's unwavering commitment to secessionist policies. Chen criticized Lai's attempts to gain the favor of foreign allies and condemned the DPP's tactics of military escalation and manipulation of political narratives, asserting that such strategies are unlikely to succeed in deceiving people or achieving their intended goals.

Chen also argued that the DPP's claims of promoting "democracy" are merely a façade designed to advance their secessionist agenda. He pointed out that under the guise of democracy, the DPP has persecuted those advocating cross-Strait cooperation while disregarding public sentiment and the rights of Taiwanese residents. Furthermore, he mentioned that the DPP’s control over media and its propagation of "cognitive warfare" serve to misinform the public and foster an atmosphere of "anti-China" sentiment.

The spokesperson attributed the increasing tensions in cross-Straits relations primarily to the collusion between Taiwan's separatists and external forces, warning that such actions threaten the stability and peace of the region. He asserted that the possibility of "Taiwan independence" leads to a dead end, whereas reunification remains the only viable route forward. The statement concluded with a call for the Taiwanese populace to collaborate with the mainland in opposing secessionist movements and to promote peaceful relations and cooperation for a better future.