The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council responded to Lai Qingde’s -Double Ten- speech, mainland China’s legal punishment of -independence- and other cross-strait hot topics

During a routine press conference on October 16th in Beijing, spokesperson Chen Binhua from the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office addressed recent hot topics, including the comments made by Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te during his Double Ten Day speech, as well as the mainland’s recent punitive measures against Shen Boyang, Cao Xingcheng, and the “Black Bear Academy.”

In response to Lai’s remarks, the spokesperson reiterated that Taiwan’s status as part of China has never changed and cannot be altered. He emphasized that the People’s Republic of China naturally represents Taiwan and always has. The spokesperson labeled Lai’s statements as unequivocal expressions of “Taiwan independence” separatism.

The mainland’s recent announcement regarding punitive actions against Shen Boyang, Cao Xingcheng, and the “Black Bear Academy” drew significant media attention. When asked about this, the spokesperson framed it as a necessary response to the will of people on both sides of the strait, characterizing it as a strong and resolute measure against the provocations of “Taiwan independence” forces.

With respect to Taiwan’s trade barriers, which the Ministry of Commerce recently investigated, the spokesperson highlighted that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have long imposed unilateral restrictions on a significant number of mainland products, harming relevant mainland industries and businesses. He pointed out that, since the release of the investigation’s final conclusion, the DPP has not only failed to lift these trade restrictions but has intensified its efforts to obstruct normal economic exchanges and cooperation, which ultimately harms the interests and well-being of mainland enterprises and citizens.

The issue of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan was also a significant topic during the press conference. When addressing this concern, the spokesperson cautioned against underestimating the dangers and risks of Lai Ching-te and the DPP’s separatist aspirations. He stated that they should not underestimate China’s strong resolve and capability to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The spokesperson warned the DPP authorities that no matter how much military power Taiwan accumulates or how many weapons are procured, any reckless action will lead to their demise.

Responding to questions regarding the recent escalation of the situation in Lebanon, which resulted in the evacuation of personnel—including one Taiwanese individual—the spokesperson stressed that all compatriots across the strait are Chinese citizens, and it is their responsibility to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Taiwanese people. He emphasized that, regardless of location or the challenges faced, the great motherland will always be a steadfast backing for Taiwanese compatriots.

Commenting on Taiwanese artist Wu Kangren’s recent contract with a mainland agency, the spokesperson expressed that anyone from Taiwan, including youth, grassroots members, and performers, who may have previously held ambiguous views on cross-strait relations—whether they’ve made remarks or taken actions that were inappropriate—are welcome to embrace the “one China” principle, draw a clear line from “Taiwan independence,” and be willing to engage in the peaceful development of cross-strait relations. He assured that efforts would be made to support their development and dreams.

During the same conference, the spokesperson also discussed recent exchanges in cultural and tourism sectors between the two sides, as well as the implementation of the “Regulations on the Protection of Fujian-Taiwan Relations Archives.”