Go TO Content

2021

January 1, 2021
Taiwan Affairs Office Director Liu Jieyi issued a new year's message in an article entitled "Strengthening Confidence, Jointly Creating a New State of Affairs" in the Relations Across the Taiwan Straits magazine (1st issue, 2021). He stated that 2020 was a truly extraordinary year for cross-Strait relations. Despite the intensified obstruction and undermining by the DPP authorities, compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait have grown even more steadfast and vigorous in their steps of moving closely and well towards each other. Only when cross-Strait relations do well will Taiwan compatriots do well; only by eliminating the bane of "Taiwan independence" will there be peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and will Taiwan compatriots live and work in peace and contentment. In the new year, the CCP will fully implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important discourses on Taiwan work and the CCP Central Committee’s decision-making deployment in the same regard. The CCP will facilitate cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, promote the peaceful and integrated development of cross-Strait relations, and advance the unification process of the motherland.

January 1, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the speech made by the leader of Taiwan pertaining to cross-Strait relations in her new year’s address. Zhu said that the statement once again revealed the DPP’s true color of seeking "independence." The historical and de jure facts of Taiwan being part of China and both sides belonging to "one China" cannot be changed by any persons or power. Since the DPP authorities took office, they have refused to recognize the "1992 Consensus" and sabotaged the political foundation of cross-Strait relations. Meanwhile, they have persistently made provocative actions to seek "independence," making an enemy out of mainland China at every turn, purposefully arousing cross-Strait opposition, while claiming to be willing to have a so-called "dialogue." How will any of this result in a dialogue? The CCP advised the DPP authorities to stop playing deceitful tricks. Only when returning to the political foundation of the “1992 Consensus” will cross-Strait relations improve.

January 1, 2021
President Tsai Ing-wen delivered the 2021 New Year's Address in the Entrance Hall of the Presidential Office Building. She stated that stabilizing relations across the Taiwan Strait is no longer just an issue for the two sides. It is a concern for the whole Indo-Pacific region and has already become a focus of international attention. Over the past year, mainland China’s military aircrafts and naval vessels from across the Taiwan Strait have been active around Taiwan. This has undermined cross-Strait relations and poses a threat to the peaceful and stable status quo in the Indo-Pacific. In dealing with cross-Strait relations, the government will uphold its principles and not act rashly. We are willing to facilitate meaningful dialogue under the principles of parity and dignity as long as the Beijing authorities sincerely want to resolve differences and improve cross-Strait relations. When the pandemic is under control, we look forward to the gradual return of regular, orderly people-to-people exchanges across the Taiwan Strait to improve mutual understanding and reduce misunderstandings. The government’s principles for dealing with cross-Strait affairs have always been joint discussions, finding solutions, and pragmatically solving problems.

January 1, 2021
The MAC responded to Taiwan Affairs Office’s new year’s message, where it repeated canned speeches such as "advancing the unification process" and "unification is irreversible." The MAC said that it had noticed the Beijing authorities’ persistent propaganda of their unilateral political agenda towards Taiwan. Meanwhile, they have constantly resorted to military and diplomatic intimidation and pressuring, and infiltration and division of the Taiwan society to deliberately spark cross-Strait antagonism. The Republic of China (ROC) is a sovereign state; Taiwan has never been part of the People's Republic of China. The people of Taiwan firmly oppose non-peaceful and non-democratic actions, and have already emphatically rejected the CCP's "one country, two systems." The MAC hoped that the other side across the Taiwan Strait would face this fact rationally and pragmatically.

January 2, 2021
Mainland China’s Fujian Provincial Government announced its first list of 225 equal treatment measures for Taiwan compatriots and Taiwan-funded companies. Included are 133 economic measures regarding the protection of rights and interests, industry access, agricultural cooperation, financial services, and customs clearance services; 66 social measures concerning employment and entrepreneurship, medical insurances and social insurances, legal services, and governance of the general public; 17 cultural and educational measures involving children's education, recruitment, scholarships and subsidies, and cultural and educational exchanges; and nine measures for facilitation in the areas of financing, travel, certificate application, and medical insurance reimbursement, etc.

January 4, 2021
Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the MAC's appeal for Taiwan compatriots to "pay attention to the risks of mainland Chinese vaccines." She stated that the MAC’s deliberate smear campaign on mainland Chinese vaccines is a further display of its political malice that disregards the health and well-being of the people of Taiwan, and incites opposition against mainland China. The CCP solemnly condemned this. She also stated that the vaccination programs for Taiwan compatriots based in mainland China are conducted entirely out of care for compatriots, and are an embodiment of treating Taiwan compatriots as equal while answering the wishes of the large number of Taiwan compatriots. The vaccination programs have been carried out on an entirely voluntary basis with informed consent. Taiwan compatriots have a choice over whether or not to be inoculated.

January 4, 2021
Mainland China's Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Ren Guoqiang responded to US President Trump’s signing of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which requires the US government to normalize arms sales to Taiwan. He said that the Taiwan issue concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and is purely a matter of China's internal affairs. No interference from external forces will be tolerated. China’s determination to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests remains firm and unwavering.

January 5, 2021
The CCP Central Committee issued the amended version of Regulations on the United Front Work of the Communist Party of China. Among the terms, Article 5 stipulates that the scope of united front work extends to Taiwan compatriots and their relatives in mainland China. Article 35 states that the main tasks of united front work against Taiwan are: to thoroughly implement the major principles of the CCP Central Committee’s Taiwan work policy, adhere to the "one China" principle, broadly unite Taiwan compatriots at home and abroad, develop and strengthen patriotism and pro-unification forces in Taiwan, oppose "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, continue to advance the process of peaceful unification of the motherland, and jointly work to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

January 6, 2021
The MAC responded to the mass arrest and detention of pan-democrats in Hong Kong. It stated that Taiwan and the international community were equally astonished, and condemned any “bullying acts” that suppress democracy and human rights. The Hong Kong National Security Law has repeatedly been cracking down on democracy activists on the charge of subversion of state. This has shown that protection of Hong Kong people’s rights under the Basic Law is hollow at best. Moreover, such atrocities have also turned Hong Kong from the "Pearl of the Orient" into an outrageous "Purgatory of the Orient." The MAC called on the involved parties to show discretion and restraint; otherwise, they will eventually suffer the consequences.

January 7, 2021
Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to Taiwan and the US holding the so-called "Political-Military Dialogue," where the DPP authorities propagate their "Taiwan independence" narratives. She said that "Taiwan independence" forces make calculations about seeking “independence,” hence their groveling to external forces. This is utterly futile and cannot change the fact that Taiwan is part of China. She sternly warned the DPP authorities to immediately stop all forms of official exchanges and military contacts with the US, not head further down the wrong path of "relying on the US for independence," and not push the people of Taiwan into disaster. Otherwise, they are bound to be heavily punished.

January 10, 2021
The CCP Central Committee issued the Plan to Build the Rule of Law in China (2020-2025). The plan called for exploring the "one country, two systems” model for Taiwan and advancing the process toward the peaceful unification of the motherland. Other terms include promoting the two sides across the Taiwan Strait to make institutional arrangements for peaceful development; and improve and facilitate the institutional arrangements and policy measures for cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, deepening integrated development across the Taiwan Strait, and protecting the well-being of Taiwan compatriots. It also supports exchanges between the legal sectors across the Taiwan Strait. Further, the plan employs means characterized by the rule of law to defend the "one China" principle; resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence"; and firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests. It will also protect the interests of compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan in accordance with the law, while strengthening law enforcement cooperation and judicial assistance between mainland China and Hong Kong and Macao, and between mainland China and Taiwan, to jointly crack down on cross-border crime.

January 11, 2021
Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian commented on Mike Pompeo’s announcement that the US would lift restrictions on official exchanges with Taiwan, and the DPP authorities’ expression of thanks in response. She said that mainland China will act resolutely and firmly to counter any Taiwan-US collusion. Abiding by the “one China” principle and the three China-US Joint Communiqués are commitments made by the US government. Any non-compliance with this commitment is a serious breach of the basic norms governing international relations, making it illegal and invalid. The DPP authorities serve as a pawn for external forces and "rely on the US to seek independence," which will only bring serious disasters to the people of Taiwan.

January 13, 2021
Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian announced during a regular press conference the recent approval of establishing four cross-Strait exchanges bases, including: Tingzhou "the Hakka capital," Changting County, Longyan City, Fujian Province; Qingshuiyan, Anxi County, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province; the Grand Canal Cultural Belt, Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province; and Wenchang Zuting, Zitong County, Mianyang City, Sichuan Province. The establishment of these bases reflects the unswerving implementation of the principles and policies towards Taiwan, which aim at actively expanding cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, continuing to deepen cross-Strait integrated development, and persistently promoting a spiritual bond between compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Furthermore, on claims by the DPP spokesperson that "Taiwan's exports to mainland China reached a record high in 2020, proving that mainland China needs Taiwan," Zhu stated that this is intricately linked to mainland China’s swift control of the epidemic, resuming work and production, and exemplifying a negative-turned-positive growth in the global economy. It also fully illustrates two points: First, Taiwan's economy is highly dependent on that of mainland China. The continuous development and progress of mainland China represents a major opportunity for Taiwan's economic development and a significant gain for the great number of Taiwan compatriots. Second, cross-Strait economic and trade cooperation aligns with the interests and needs of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The continual expansion and deepening of the cooperation will allow Taiwan compatriots to benefit even more.

January 14, 2021
Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to a video call between the US Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Kelly Craft and Tsai Ing-wen. She stated that mainland China resolutely opposes the actions by Taiwan and the US plotting to challenge the "one China" principle through official exchanges. There is only "one China" in the world, and Taiwan is part of China. The CCP urged the US to strictly abide by the “one China” principle and the three China-US Joint Communiqués. The CCP also solemnly admonished the DPP authorities to immediately stop any form of collusion with the US. "Relying on the US to seek independence" will only bring them disgrace, and they are bound to be punished severely.

January 18, 2021
Member of the Politburo Standing Committee and Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Wang Yang stated at the 2021 Working Conference on Taiwan Affairs that the CCP upholds the "one China" principle and the "1992 Consensus," and is determined to curb "Taiwan independence" separatist activity and interference by external forces. He said that the world today is undergoing profound changes unseen for hundreds of years. The situation across the Taiwan Strait remains severe and complicated. Taiwan work is met with new changes to its opportunities and challenges. However, "time" and "momentum" remain on mainland China’s side. The CCP must accurately recognize these changes, respond in scientific approaches, strengthen risk awareness, and establish the bottom-line thinking. It must resolutely contain "Taiwan independence" separatist forces who rely on foreign forces and seek "independence" for provocation. Mainland China must help Taiwanese businesspeople and Taiwan-funded enterprises to seize opportunities arising from the country creating a new development prospect. It must overcome the restrictions and obstructions imposed by the DPP authorities on cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation.

January 18, 2021
The MAC responded to the chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Wang Yang’s reiteration of opposition to independence, promotion of unification, and accusation of the Taiwan authorities obstructing cross-Strait exchanges at the CCP's 2021 Working Conference on Taiwan Affairs. The MAC stated that the CCP's Taiwan policy has long been out of touch with cross-Strait realities, and also ignored the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan disapproving its unilaterally established political framework that denies the ROC’s national sovereignty. Cross-Strait peace is intricately linked to stability of the Indo-Pacific region, which is a shared responsibility of both sides. The ROC government has been consistent in its policy stance of handling cross-Strait affairs in accordance with the ROC Constitution and the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, and maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The MAC called on the CCP authorities to bear an attitude of respect, goodwill, and understanding; engage in constructive cross-Strait dialogue and exchange without preconditions; and pragmatically explore ways to coexist in peace. These are what will help enhance the welfare of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

January 20, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao Affairs Office of Fuzhou City announced the "Measures to Further Support Development of Taiwan-Funded Enterprises and Advance Taiwan Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship." The 21 measures cover three areas, including promoting the development of Taiwan-funded enterprises, advancing Taiwan youth’s employment and entrepreneurship, and implementing "equal treatment," which are effective through December 24, 2025.

January 22, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the MAC's criticism of mainland China for imposing sanctions on Mike Pompeo and other individuals. She said that the DPP authorities and Pompeo are accomplices in undermining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The MAC is unrepentant and talks nonsense, which exactly proves that the DPP authorities are still tied to the likes of Pompeo. The DPP authorities had “bet on the wrong side” in the US presidential election; after that, they have been resorting to all sorts of tricks in an attempt to consolidate the “fruits” of Taiwan-US collusion co-plotted with the likes of Pompeo. They even went the length of greenlighting US pork imports containing ractopamine to the detriment of Taiwanese people's lives, health, and well-being. Pompeo and the others completely deserve to be sanctioned. By siding with Pompeo, the DPP authorities will no doubt be subject to the trial and severe punishment by history.

January 27, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded during a regular press conference to the attacks by the DPP authorities and green camp media against the safety of mainland Chinese vaccines, and their claims that Taiwanese businesspeople were almost forced to receive their vaccines. She stated that vaccination programs in mainland China are carried out entirely on a voluntary basis with informed consent. As to when the announcement of sanctions would be issued against "Taiwan independence" activists, she stated that crushing "Taiwan independence" diehards and curbing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities are the due obligation and a prerequisite for maintaining the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. She said that the CCP will pay close attention to the actions of a small group of "Taiwan independence" diehards in Taiwan and abroad and impose severe punishment or launch crackdown in accordance with the law. Regarding the constant incursions of PLA fighter jets in the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) southwest of Taiwan, Zhu stated that they were in response to the interference by external forces and a handful of “Taiwan independence” separatists and their separatist activity. China will not commit to renouncing the use of force, and will reserve the option of taking all necessary measures. The PLA’s simulated combat drills in the Taiwan Strait are meant to firmly safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, strongly urge external forces to stop interfering, and admonish "Taiwan independence" separatist forces for them to stop provocations.

January 27, 2021
The MAC expressed solemn protest against the Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian’s statement that the PLA fighter jets conducting simulated combat drills in the Taiwan Strait was meant to sternly warn external forces and "Taiwan independence separatist forces." The MAC also pointed out that the PLA's recent drills, training, and incursions targeting Taiwan and the intimidating remarks made by the Taiwan Affairs Office have not only undermined cross-Strait relations but heightened regional tensions. In addition, Zhu claimed that the CCP would closely watch the handful of “Taiwan independence” diehards in Taiwan and abroad for their actions, and impose severe punishment or launch crackdown in accordance with the law. In response, the MAC stated that the CCP in the recent period has incessantly resorted to ill-advised actions of intimidation and unwise means to harm cross-Strait relations and the Taiwan society, to which Taiwan will not yield. The MAC once again sternly admonished the other side across the Taiwan Strait to exercise discretion and not act rashly. Any words or actions that deliberately challenge Taiwan's bottom lines might lead to unbearable and far-reaching impact.

February 4, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang responded to the DPP authorities’ plans to build a "Taiwan Office" in Guyana. He stated that mainland China resolutely opposes Taiwan to develop any form of official relations or establish any official agencies with mainland China’s diplomatic allies. It demanded that Guyana abide by the "one China" principle and handle Taiwan-related issues properly. No tricks of the DPP authorities can change the fact that Taiwan is part of China.

February 5, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang responded to the termination of plans to establish a "Taiwan Office" announced by the Guyanese government and the DPP authorities' subsequent slandering and attacks against mainland China. He stated that Taiwan is part of China. The “one China” principle is a widely recognized norm governing international relations and a universal consensus in the international community. Related countries should uphold justice, adhere to the basic norms governing international relations, and embody the universal consensus of the international community. He solemnly warned the DPP authorities to immediately stop all attempts of seeking "independence"; otherwise, they will only continue to suffer repeated failures.

February 5, 2021
The MAC responded to the termination of plans to build a “Taiwan Office” in Guyana announced by the Cooperative Republic of Guyana due to the pressure from mainland China. It stated that the CCP has been repeatedly obstructing and undermining the legitimate rights of Taiwan to engage normally with other countries in the world. Moreover, it continues to constrain Taiwan's international space with a zero-sum mentality, and interfere with other countries’ autonomous choice of forming relations with Taiwan. These actions will only arouse antipathy from the people of Taiwan and from the international community. Malicious suppression and provocation of cross-Strait antagonism do not help the two sides across the Taiwan Strait to improve their relations. The CCP should accept the cross-Strait reality and respect Taiwan.

February 6, 2021
Member of the Political Bureau of the CCP Central Committee and director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Yang Jiechi had a call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He stated that, the Taiwan issue is the most critical and sensitive core issue in China-US relations, one that concerns mainland China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The US should strictly abide by the "one China" principle and the three China-US Joint Communiqués. No attempt to slander or smear China will succeed. China will continue to firmly safeguard its national sovereignty, security, and development interests.

February 9, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang responded to the statement by the leader of Taiwan in her Lunar New Year speech saying that mainland China holds the key to cross-Strait peace. He stated that the DPP authorities attempt to rely on foreign forces, and have been spreading a "two-state theory" to deceive and delude the public of Taiwan. They have been distorting facts and misleading the Taiwan compatriots, which once again reveals their true nature. The severity and complexity of cross-Strait relations today are caused by the DPP authorities’ single-handed behaviors. They refuse to admit the "1992 Consensus" embodying the "one China" principle previously agreed by both sides, interfere with and obstruct cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, and collude with foreign powers to engage in endless provocations aiming at seeking "independence." These actions have created tension and confrontation in cross-Strait relations and have seriously harmed the vital interests of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. If the DPP authorities have the slightest contrition, they should immediately give up on their "Taiwan independence" position, stop all activities seeking "independence," and return to the common political foundation of the "1992 Consensus."

February 9, 2021
President Tsai Ing-wen delivered remarks in the Entrance Hall of the Presidential Office Building on Taiwan's response to the global pandemic and other regional and international issues covered in a recent high-level national security meeting. She stated that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is no longer just a matter of cross-Strait relations. It also has been elevated to a key focus for the Indo-Pacific region and the world. Over the past year, CCP military aircrafts and vessels have been increasingly circulating in the waters and airspace around Taiwan, and even intruding into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). These actions undermine the peaceful and stable status quo in the Indo-Pacific region. When it comes to cross-Strait relations, Taiwan's consistent position is that we neither bow to pressure nor act rashly when we have support. We look forward to people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait resuming normal, orderly exchanges once the pandemic has been effectively contained. As long as the Beijing authorities sincerely want to resolve the differences, we are willing to facilitate meaningful dialogue based on the principles of parity and dignity. Cross-Strait peace cannot be achieved solely by Taiwan. Indeed, China holds the key as well. History has shown that China's diplomatic suppression and military coercion against Taiwan do nothing to promote positive cross-Strait relations.

February 10, 2021
The leader of the CCP Xi Jinping gave a remark during the 2021 Lunar New Year on behalf of the CCP Central Committee and State Council. He wished a happy Lunar New Year to people of all ethnic groups across mainland China; compatriots in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan; and ethnic Chinese living overseas. “Happy Chinese New Year to you all.

February 11, 2021
The leader of the CCP Xi Jinping stated during a phone call with US President Joe Biden that issues concerning Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang are mainland China's internal affairs and concern China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The US should respect mainland China's core interests and be prudent in its actions.

February 18, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang responded to the claim by the head of Taiwan’s pandemic prevention agency that, Taiwan planned to purchase five million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from German company BioNTech (BNT), but could not seal the deal due to mainland China’s interference. He dismissed this argument as a complete fabrication and a total lie, which once again reveals the lack of morality and ethics of certain DPP politicians. He commented that Taiwan’s inability to secure COVID-19 vaccines is only making its people suffer, who wish to be vaccinated as soon as possible. He warned the DPP politicians that defamation and false accusations will not absolve them of their responsibilities. The only thing that will alleviate people’s suffering is to get rid of their bias against mainland China.

February 18, 2021
The MAC responded to the press release issued by mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) aimed at negating Taiwan’s claim that mainland China thwarted the COVID-19 vaccine sale from biotech company BioNTech (BNT) to Taiwan, an assertion that the TAO dismissed as a “fabrication.” The MAC stated that the CCP’s response is unacceptable to both the Taiwan government and its public. Mainland China has consistently been politicizing public health related issues such as vaccine procurement, using them as an opportunity to maliciously criticize and lambaste Taiwan. This is unhelpful not only for disease prevention but for improving cross-Strait relations.

February 22, 2021
The MAC responded to the comments by mainland China's Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi. Wang expressed hope for the US to respect mainland China's core interests and stop condoning separatist forces seeking Taiwan independence. The MAC confirmed that having noticed the CCP’s repeated mentioning of “core interests” in its recent discourses on US-China relations. However, the MAC reiterated that the ROC, as a sovereign nation, has the right to engage in friendly interaction with other countries. Taiwan upholds peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and firmly safeguards national sovereignty, democracy, and freedom. This policy stance has been supported and affirmed by the US and other members of the international community. The MAC called on the other side of the Taiwan Strait to shoulder its responsibility for the region, face up to the cross-Strait reality and Taiwan’s public opinion, and relinquish its military intimidation against and diplomatic suppression of Taiwan. This is the only way to resuming benign cross-Strait interaction.

February 23, 2021
The newly appointed minister of the MAC Chiu Tai-san made a remark at the handover ceremony. He stated that in the post-pandemic era, cross-Strait exchanges are bound to resume. There have been widespread expectations over the past few months regarding the two sides of the Taiwan Strait ushering in a new spring in the future. He would bear this wish in mind and give his best. In response to further questions, Minister Chiu stated that after mainland China attached new meanings to the "1992 Consensus," the term has become unacceptable to the people of Taiwan. The Taiwan government and the MAC have never been ill-intentioned towards mainland China; instead, every measure rolled out has been for pragmatic concerns and for enhancing benefits from cross-Strait exchanges. He expressed hope that both sides can pragmatically face cross-Strait reality and actively promote cross-Strait relations under the premise of creating positive outcomes.

February 24, 2021
The MAC responded to a statement by mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang, who said that if Taiwan is indeed looking forward to ushering in a new spring, it should return to the common political foundation of the "1992 Consensus." The MAC stated that the ROC government handles cross-Strait affairs in accordance with the ROC Constitution and the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. It is committed to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and continues to view the experiences and achievements of 30-plus years of cross-Strait exchanges in a positive light. Exchanges are a two-way street; they cannot be achieved by one side’s efforts alone. Mainland China must devote equivalent efforts and shoulder equivalent responsibility for resuming benign cross-Strait interactions. Mainland China must also bear an attitude of mutual respect, goodwill, and understanding and contemplate seriously on the opposition and suspicion of the people of Taiwan against their proposals of political frameworks such as "one country, two systems" and the "1992 Consensus" that denigrate Taiwan. It called on mainland China to truly and pragmatically consider goodwill measures, which is the only thing helpful for the gradual resolution of antagonism and differences between the two sides.

February 24, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang responded at a regular press conference to MAC Minister Chiu Tai-san's hope that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait will “usher in a new spring.” He stated that if the gentlemen in Taiwan have such hopes, they should return to the common political basis of the "1992 Consensus." Acceptance of the "1992 Consensus" is at the heart of cross-Strait relations, and is a litmus test of the so-called "goodwill" of the Taiwan authorities. So long as the DPP authorities recognize the historical fact of the "1992 Consensus" and identify with its core spirit, there will be no barriers for exchanges between the two sides. As to Taiwan’s head of epidemic prevention agency smearing mainland China for interfering with Taiwan's procurement of vaccines, he said that the DPP authorities are obsessed with political manipulation, which is aimed at covering up their predicament of not being able to obtain vaccines in time. Taiwan tries to bypass the agents to obtain vaccines, which runs counter to the logic of business. This approach is merely a political maneuver undertaken at the cost of the health and well-being of its people.

February 26, 2021
Mainland China's General Administration of Customs announced the Notification on the Suspension of Pineapple Imports from Taiwan to mainland China. It indicated that, since 2020, mainland China’s customs administration has repeatedly detected pests in its quarantine checks on pineapples imported from Taiwan to mainland China. To prevent the potential risk of plant diseases, mainland China decided to suspend the import of pineapples from Taiwan in accordance with relevant laws, regulations, and standards, effective from March 1, 2021. Additionally, Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang stated that the decision by mainland Chinese customs administration to suspend the import of pineapples from Taiwan to mainland China was out of regular biosecurity precautions, which is based on scientific evidence, perfectly reasonable, and in line with relevant mainland Chinese laws, regulations, and standards.

February 28, 2021
The MAC responded to the Hong Kong Police holding 47 pan-democrats accountable on charge of "subversion of state power." It stated that the pan-democrats are motivated by a genuine love for Hong Kong. For this sentiment to be interpreted as subversion of state, the MAC believed, is a hard pill to swallow for the public. The CCP continues to aggressively suppress democratic activity irrespective of the people’s opposition, which will only lead to more confrontation and hostility rather than contribute to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. Only when democracy, freedom and human rights are returned to the people of Hong Kong will the city achieve long-term peace and stability.

March 1, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the DPP authorities’ blaming mainland China for political bullying regarding mainland China’s General Administration of Customs’ decision to suspend pineapple imports from Taiwan to mainland China. She said that the customs authority conducts inspection and quarantine checks as required by related laws, regulations, and standards; these checks are also meant for preventing plant-based diseases and protecting people’s rights. The DPP authorities have deliberately distorted this decision. They are accustomed to maliciously manipulating every matter involving mainland China. This shows that they have neither the will nor the ability to solve real issues; instead, they can only evade their responsibilities by slandering mainland China.

March 2, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the DPP authorities’ criticism on the Hong Kong Government's decision to charge several individuals with subversion of state power in accordance with the law. She stated that the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region holds criminals accountable in accordance with the law; it is their duty and must not be interfered with. The DPP authorities’ related remarks have once again shown their true color of instigating riots in Hong Kong to seek “independence” and their hypocrisy of using human rights and freedom as a false pretext. Mainland China sternly warns the DPP authorities to stop their political manipulation of Hong Kong affairs and not continue sliding down the wrong path.

March 3, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to KMT Chairman Chiang Chi-chen’s comment that "mainland China is the primary threat Taiwan is currently faced with" during an interview with Reuters. She stated that only through resolutely curbing the "Taiwan independence" separatist conspiracies can peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait be effectively maintained. Related political parties and individuals in Taiwan must distinguish right from wrong, and not fall into the irrational and confrontational populist thinking. They should adhere to a policy stance that is pro-mainland China, and devise more measures that are favorable for promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, advancing the welfare of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

March 4, 2021
Chairman of the CPPCC Wang Yang presented a work report and pointed out the following tasks at the Standing Committee of the 13th CPPCC National Committee. He stated that mainland China would strengthen solidarity and friendship with Taiwan compatriots, begin research and negotiation on promoting cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation, and hold a commemorative event on the 110th anniversary of the 1911 Xinhai Revolution to promote the spirit of the revolution. Mainland China will unite the Chinese people at home and abroad to facilitate unification of the motherland, and jointly succeed in the grand endeavor of national rejuvenation.

March 4, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to Taiwan's security agency’s warnings that mainland China is waging a “cognitive war” against Taiwan through its live stream cross-Strait competitions and activities. She stated that the DPP authorities, due to selfish political interests, is not willing to see the relations between compatriots on both sides grow closer and stronger, and that the people of Taiwan understand the real situation in mainland China. True to their nature of seeking "independence," they engage in malicious political manipulation to deliberately obstruct and undermine exchanges between compatriots on both sides. They are also sabotaging the legitimate rights, interest, and welfare of Taiwan youth by blocking their opportunities to seek alternative and better development paths. Their obstruction will not gain public support.

March 4, 2021
MAC Spokesperson Chiu Chui-cheng responded during a regular press conference to the announcement by Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Wang Yang that mainland China will begin research and negotiation on promoting cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation. Meanwhile, Wang said that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) would hold a commemorative event for the 110th Anniversary of the 1911 Xinhai Revolution. Chiu stated that the Beijing authorities are accustomed to using commemorative events or important meetings as a pretext for distorting historical facts and advancing united front work against Taiwan. These events are meant for satisfying the CCP’s need of boosting support for the Party and promoting patriotism for the nation, of consolidating the legitimacy of the CCP’s rule and undermining the de jure existence of the ROC, and of advocating the united front rhetoric embodying the "one China” principle. The MAC called on the public and civil groups in Taiwan to not participate in or cooperate with such united front events.

March 5, 2021
The MAC responded to the CCP State Council’s reiteration of the “one China” principle in its government work report presented at the National People's Congress (NPC). The MAC emphasized that public opinion in Taiwan has long favored maintaining the cross-Strait status quo. The Taiwan government has remained consistent in its cross-Strait policy stance promoting peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. It will continue to firmly defend national sovereignty and Taiwan's democracy and freedom. Benign cross-Strait interactions are the responsibility of both sides. The MAC called on the other side of the Taiwan Strait to make commensurate efforts and shoulder equivalent responsibilities in this regard. Mainland China also needs to face up to and respect the opposition and skepticism of the Taiwan public towards its political frameworks denigrating Taiwan and aggressive united front campaigns oppressing Taiwan. The two sides should resolve differences step by step through communication to truly protect the rights and benefits of people across the Taiwan Strait.

March 5, 2021
Mainland China's Premier Li Keqiang delivered a government work report at the 4th session of the 13th NPC. In this report, he emphasized that mainland China will adhere to the major principles and policies on work related to Taiwan by upholding the "one China" principle and the "1992 Consensus" and by promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and unification of the motherland. Mainland China will remain on high alert of and firmly curb the "Taiwan independence" separatist activity. Moreover, mainland China will improve the systems and policies that protect Taiwan compatriots’ well-being and guarantee them equal treatment as their mainland Chinese counterparts in order to facilitate cross-Strait exchanges, cooperation, and integrated development. These policies will allow the two sides to jointly carve out a bright future of national rejuvenation.

March 5, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the criticism by the DPP authorities on the NPC’s upcoming review of the Draft Decision of the National People's Congress On Improving the Electoral System of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. She stated that improvements to Hong Kong's electoral system are meant for comprehensively and precisely implementing the principle of "one country, two systems" and for providing a sound institutional protection for fully carrying out "patriots ruling Hong Kong." The DPP authorities are accustomed to viciously manipulating Hong Kong affairs and deliberately creating chaos in Hong Kong to seek “independence.” This sinister intention will not succeed.

March 7, 2021
The MAC responded during a regular press conference to a statement by mainland China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a press conference for the Two Sessions saying that the PRC government will make no concession on the Taiwan issue. The MAC stated that the ROC is a sovereign state; Taiwan has never been part of the PRC. Taiwan has the right to engage normally with the international community. Its future can only be decided by the 23 million people of Taiwan. The MAC called on the CCP authorities to face up to and respect the cross-Strait reality and public opinion in Taiwan, consider goodwill measures, and ensure the rights and interests of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through constructive dialogue and exchanges. Only these actions will be helpful for the two sides to gradually resolve their differences.

March 7, 2021
Member of the Politburo Standing Committee and Chairman of the CPPCC Wang Yang made a statement during the 4th session of the 13th NPC regarding the issues proposed by the Taiwan delegation. He stated that the situation in the Taiwan Strait remains severe and complex, and the risks and challenges cannot be underestimated; however, mainland China is always capable of taking the initiative and is always at the helm of the situation. Mainland China must study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important treatise on Taiwan work by adhering to the "one China” principle and "1992 Consensus," firmly curbing "Taiwan independence" separatist activity and interference by external forces, and broadly consolidating the strong forces that are anti-"independence" and pro-unification. This will lead to the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. Mainland China must uphold the spirit of “two sides across the Taiwan Strait belonging to one family,” support Taiwanese businesspeople and companies to seize opportunities from the 14th Five Year Plan and the Long-Range Objective to the Year of 2035 devised and implemented by the nation, improve the systems and policies that protect the well-being of Taiwan compatriots and guarantee them equal treatment as their mainland Chinese counterparts, unite and guide Taiwan compatriots to advance the overall national interests, and succeed in the grand endeavor of national rejuvenation.

March 11, 2021
Mainland China's Premier Li Keqiang made a statement at the press conference for the 4th Session of the 13th NPC. He stated that mainland China's major policy on Taiwan remains consistent and clear, which is to adhere to the "one China" principle and the "1992 Consensus." Under this premise, all political parties and civil groups in Taiwan are welcomed to interact with mainland China. Mainland China also welcomes people from all parties and civil groups in Taiwan to initiate dialogue on cross-Strait relations and the future of the nation. Mainland China will persist in promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and unification of the motherland. It opposes any form of "Taiwan independence" separatist activity or interference by external forces. Mainland China will uphold the spirit of “two sides across the Taiwan Strait belonging to one family” to devise numerous policies that benefit Taiwanese companies and compatriots. It will also continue to enable Taiwan compatriots to share the development opportunities in mainland China as it goes on to advance cross-Strait integrated development.

March 11, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the DPP authorities’ comments on the Hong Kong-related decisions made by the NPC. She stated that the DPP authorities deceive the public and maliciously attack mainland China under the pretext of “democracy” and “freedom,” which has once again revealed their sinister intention and evil nature to politically manipulate Hong Kong affairs and create chaos in Hong Kong to seek "independence." She solemnly warned the DPP authorities that there is no way out for "Taiwan independence." Attempts to destabilize Hong Kong will never succeed. The DPP authorities will no doubt be severely punished for building up their sins.

March 11, 2021
The MAC responded to mainland China's Premier Li Keqiang’s reiteration of the "one China" principle and the "1992 Consensus" as the guidelines of the CCP’s Taiwan policy at the press conference following the closing ceremony of the NPC session. The MAC stated that people of Taiwan will not accept Beijing's political framework denigrating Taiwan; they also oppose the suppressive and aggressive comments which create cross-Strait antagonism. This will only negate the efforts made by both sides to promote benign interaction. The MAC called on the other side of the Taiwan Strait to uphold an attitude of mutual respect, goodwill and understanding, address differences through pragmatic dialogue, and progressively embark on healthy and orderly exchanges between the two sides.

March 11, 2021
MAC spokesperson Chiu Chui-cheng responded at a regular press conference to the decision on amendments to Hong Kong's electoral system passed by mainland China's NPC. He stated that the CCP seeks to implement "patriots ruling Hong Kong," which is de facto the CCP ruling Hong Kong directly; therefore, it is the so-called “CCP loyalists ruling Hong Kong.” The MAC called on the related parties to stop their brutal suppression of democracy and freedom in Hong Kong, commit to maintaining a high degree of autonomy in Hong Kong, and honor their pledge to the people of Hong Kong. In addition, when asked about some Hong Kong civil servants refusing to sign a written oath of allegiance to the Basic Law or the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the spokesperson stated that the relevant authorities have reneged on their promise of "Hong Kong governed by Hong Kong people with a high degree of autonomy" while at the same time demanding Hong Kong’s civil servants to swear allegiance. This double standard is deplorable.

March 17, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Commerce, People's Bank of China, State Administration for Market Regulation, and Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives jointly announced the Measures to Support the Development of Taiwan Compatriots and Taiwan-funded Enterprises in the Agriculture and Forestry Sectors in mainland China (i.e. the "22 Measures on Agriculture and Forestry") effective from the date of promulgation.

March 17, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded during a regular press conference to a question on the “22 Measures on Agriculture and Forestry.” She stated that the “22 Measures” shares the spirit of the "31 Measures" and "26 Measures," which aim at guaranteeing Taiwanese compatriots and companies equal treatment as their mainland Chinese counterparts in participating in the high-quality and high-quantity development of agriculture and forestry sector and rural revitalization in mainland China. In addition, when asked about the transit of guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn through the Taiwan Strait, she stated that the actions of US warships send the wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. Mainland China demands that the US abide by the “one China” principle and the three China-US Joint Communiqués, and handle Taiwan-related issues with prudence. Regarding the DPP authorities’ attempts to "amend the Constitution for de jure Taiwan independence" and reduce the threshold for "amending the Constitution," she stated that the handful of “Taiwan independence” diehards in Taiwan are not giving up on seeking “independence.” These risky moves will only incite unrest in cross-Strait relations. Mainland China will never sit idly by and watch any form of "Taiwan independence" separatist activity; it will take all necessary countermeasures in response.

March 17, 2021
The MAC responded to the announcement of the Measures to Support the Development of Taiwan Compatriots and Taiwan-funded Enterprises in the Agriculture and Forestry Sectors in mainland China by mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office. The MAC stated that measures rolled out by mainland China in the past, such as the Entrepreneurs’ Park for Taiwan farmers, the "31 Measures," and "26 Measures," have only benefited a tiny fraction of Taiwanese people while causing harm to the great majority of agricultural sectors and farmers. The MAC called on mainland China to relinquish its outdated unilateral mindset. Cross-Strait agricultural cooperation and exchanges are matters of the public sector; therefore, related issues need to be pragmatically tackled through the negotiation and communication between relevant competent authorities on the two sides. Only this will be helpful for the healthy and orderly development of cross-Strait agricultural, economic, and trade relations.

March 18, 2021
MAC Minister Chiu Tai-san during a regular press conference announced that, to invigorate cross-Strait economic activity, the MAC had suggested to assess the possibilities of opening borders for mainland Chinese citizens to enter Taiwan for performance of contractual obligation in business or internal personnel transfer within multinational enterprises. The President and the Premier then gave directives for the CECC to discuss the matter with relevant agencies. After a through feasibility review, the application channel is now open starting from today. Minister Chiu also stated that, at this stage, maintaining "peace, stability, and development" is arguably the greatest common denominator between the two sides across the Taiwan Strait. He made three appeals to the other side: First, he called on mainland China to fully understand the differences in the systems and values between the two sides across the Taiwan Strait to avoid negative interpretations or misjudgments; to put aside the political framework and confronting measures it has been imposing on Taiwan, in particular, by stopping its military threats around the Taiwan Strait; and to view the development of cross-Strait relations in a positive light. Second, he called on the two sides across the Taiwan Strait should resolve problems with mutual respect and through pragmatic dialogue. When President Tsai took office in 2016, she said that cross-Strait dialogue and communication would continue through the existing mechanisms. She also said she would respect the historical fact that in 1992, the two institutions representing each side across the Taiwan Strait, the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), arrived at various joint acknowledgements and understandings through communications and dialogue and in a spirit of seeking common ground while setting aside differences. Taiwan's cross-Strait policy stance has been consistent and unchanged: both sides should continue to promote the peaceful and stable development of cross-Strait relations based on this existing fact and political foundation. Third, he called on the two sides across the Taiwan Strait to make equivalent efforts for resuming exchanges. "Exchanges are a two-way street." Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Taiwan and mainland China have both adopted control measures. In the future, on the foundation of maintaining people's health and well-being and benign interaction between the two sides, mainland China should also make corresponding adjustments and responses. Minister Chiu believes that, through the joint efforts of both sides, the post-pandemic “reopening” will surely usher in a “new spring” for the two sides across the Taiwan Strait.

March 19, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to comments by the leader of Taiwan's defense department that "Taiwan will fight with mainland China for as long as it takes." She stated that some DPP politicians make overbearing comments, which reveals that there is no limit to the "Taiwan independence" forces’ provocation. They think colluding with foreign powers will enable them to “seek independence through military actions;” believing this shows that the DPP authorities are losing their mind over selfish political interests. In addition, when asked about the DPP authorities' malicious attack on the “22 Measures on Agriculture and Forestry,” the spokesperson stated that the DPP authorities are trying to prevent Taiwan compatriots from seeking the path to development and well-being. They will never succeed.

March 19, 2021
Member of the Political Bureau and Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission Yang Jiechi and State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a high-level strategic dialogue with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Jake Sullivan. During the meeting, the CCP officials stated that the Taiwan issue concerns mainland China's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and core interests. There is no room for compromise or concession. They urged the US to strictly abide by the “one China” principle and the three China-US Joint Communiqués, stop building official relations or making military contact with Taiwan, cease arms sales to Taiwan, refrain from assisting Taiwan to expand its so-called "international space," carefully and properly handle the Taiwan issue, not send any wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces, and not try to cross China's bottom line. These are for the US to avoid seriously undermining China-US relations and cross-Strait peace and stability.

March 20, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to MAC Minister Chiu Tai-san’s comment that the "1992 Consensus" has sparked controversy and that the two sides should facilitate exchanges through "constructive ambiguity." She said that, the DPP authorities pretend to take a soft stance, while in reality continue with their confrontation with mainland China. This simply will not work. The "1992 Consensus" was agreed by both sides of the Taiwan Strait and is widely supported by the public. It is the mainstay for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. If the DPP authorities seek to deny that both sides belong to "one China" with the so-called "constructive ambiguity," it only proves that the DPP authorities are playing tricks in language and taking a double-dealing approach with absolutely no sincerity to improve cross-Strait relations.

March 20, 2021
The MAC responded to the comment by mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office saying that MAC Minister Chiu Tai-san's proposal of "constructive ambiguity" contradicts "one China" principle and is only a deceptive term. The Taiwan government has shown its greatest goodwill in maintaining "peace, stability, and development" and contributing to the joint efforts of resuming benign cross-Strait interaction. The Taiwan Affairs Office insists on making negative interpretation and criticizing Taiwan, which is not at all helpful for the healthy development of cross-strait relations. The Beijing authorities have made the "one China" principle which denigrating Taiwan and not approved by the Taiwan public as a fundamental precondition of the so-called "1992 Consensus." Meanwhile, it continues to coerce Taiwan into accepting the “1992 Consensus” with targeted military actions. This is by no means a wise or effective way to handling the political differences between the two sides across the Taiwan Strait.

March 21, 2021
The MAC solemnly refuted the claim saying that "Taiwan is an inalienable part of mainland China's territory" from Director of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CCP Central Committee Yang Jiechi and others during a high-level meeting between US and mainland Chinese officials. The MAC reiterated that the ROC is a sovereign state; Taiwan has never been, and never will be, part of the PRC. Only Taiwan’s 23 million people have the right to free speech and the right to decide about Taiwan’s future and development. The MAC called on the CCP authorities to face up to the cross-Strait reality and the fact that public opinion in Taiwan disapproves its political framework. The CCP should also stop its pressuring of Taiwan with military intimidation and diplomatic suppression. The two sides should pragmatically conduct communication and dialogue without political preconditions to resolve their political differences.

March 22, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the statement by the MAC that Taiwan has never been part of the PRC and that only the people of Taiwan have the right to decide the future and development of Taiwan. She stated that although the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are not yet unified, China's sovereignty and territorial integrity has never been divided and can never be divided. Mainland China and Taiwan belong to "one China." Compatriots on both sides are Chinese. Taiwan is the Taiwan of all Chinese people. Issues involving China's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be decided by all Chinese people. The DPP authorities play a dangerous game in their attempt to swap the concept and engage in provocations to seek “independence.”

March 23, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to MAC Minister Chiu Tai-san’s mentioning of the “three appeals” to achieve the greatest common denominator at the current stage, namely maintaining cross-Strait peace, stability, and development. She said that if the DPP authorities truly respect the "existing facts and political basis," they should return to the common political basis of the "1992 Consensus." If one side talks idealistically about "mutually respecting each other and engaging in dialogue to pragmatically resolve issues” while at the same time continuing to deliberately avoid the "1992 Consensus," distort the "1992 Consensus" as a "political framework imposed on Taiwan," and deny that both sides belong to "one China," it is simply a double-dealing approach used to shift the focus, mislead the public, and deceive the world.

March 23, 2021
The MAC responded to the accusation by mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office that the DPP authorities are playing a double-dealing trick by twisting the "1992 Consensus" into a "political framework imposed on Taiwan." The MAC considered it completely meaningless and highly regrettable that mainland China turned a blind eye to Taiwan’s goodwill measures aimed at gradually resuming exchanges and interaction. Moreover, mainland China has not shown any willingness or conducted any substantive measures to amend cross-Strait relations; instead, all it does is endlessly attack Taiwan. The CCP authorities have been repeatedly imposing political frameworks and military intimidation unacceptable to Taiwan; they are also unwilling to respect the public opinion in Taiwan calling for pragmatic communication to resolve differences. All the rhetoric of the Taiwan Affairs Office is aimed at hindering cross-Strait exchanges with political pretexts. In addition, when asked about the Taiwan Affairs Office saying that the DPP authorities should remove restrictive measures that hinder cross-Strait exchanges, the MAC stated that once the pandemic is brought under control, Taiwan will gradually adjust border control measures provided that quarantine requirements are met and mechanisms for managing domestic personnel movement are in place. The MAC called on mainland China to respect the Taiwan government's approach prioritizing epidemic prevention and safety. Mainland China should not politicize disease prevention considerations and end up missing the opportunity to facilitate the resumption of normal exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

March 24, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to an article on the US Department of Defense website saying that "Taiwan is not part of China," which the DPP authorities agreed. She said that Taiwan is part of China and the government of the PRC is the only legitimate representative of China; this is a universal consensus of the international community. She urged the US government to abide by the “one China” principle and the three China-US Joint Communiqués, and handle the Taiwan issue prudently and properly. The DPP authorities are biting more than they can chew by challenging the “one China” principle, and they will never succeed. In addition, when asked about the DPP authorities’ claim that mainland China pressured Paraguay into "severing diplomatic relations" with Taiwan in exchange for COVID-19 vaccines, the spokesperson stated that the "one China" principle is a universal consensus of the international community. Any actions seeking "two Chinas," "one China, one Taiwan," or "Taiwan independence" are dead ends. Mainland China opposes the politicization of vaccine access. The DPP authorities wrongfully accused others for wrongdoings of their own. This will only humiliate themselves.

March 25, 2021
The MAC announced the results of a routine public opinion survey. The survey indicated that between 70% and 80% of the public support the government to facilitate meaningful dialogue with the Beijing authorities while parity and dignity are maintained (75.6%). The public also support that, when the pandemic is brought under control, relevant government agencies begin assessing a gradual resumption of normal and orderly cross-Strait exchanges and interaction (81.8% and 82%). Over 70% of the public support the government's call for the CCP to stop suppressing Hong Kong's democracy and freedom but preserve a high degree of autonomy in Hong Kong instead (75.5%). Regarding the CCP's suspension of pineapple imports from Taiwan due to quarantine issues, more than 80% of the public approve the government's stance that the two sides should communicate through the existing mechanism of cross-Strait agreements to resolve the problem pragmatically (81.9%).

March 26, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to Establish the Coast Guard Working Group between the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the US. She said that mainland China resolutely opposes any form of official relations or the signing of any agreements with sovereignty implications between Taiwan and the US. In addition, Zhu was asked about the comment of a former leader of Taiwan’s defense department saying “Taiwan is a country” in an online seminar, which was refuted by the participating Hong Kong Legislative Council member Regina Ip on the spot, and Taiwan’s MAC’s subsequent criticism to Ip’s response. Zhu said that Ip was voicing justice. "Taiwan independence" is a dead end. If the DPP authorities refuse to wake up from their delusions, they will only end up in a fiasco.

March 29, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the DPP authorities’ claim that mainland China has long been suppressing the Uyghur people in Xinjiang, and Taiwan will take relevant measures in reference to international practices when necessary. She said that the DPP authorities try to smear and slander mainland China based on lies and false information fabricated by foreign anti-China forces. This is extremely vicious. Mainland China believes that the majority of Taiwan compatriots will see Xinjiang's geographical advantages in the joint implementation of the "Belt and Road" initiative and the development opportunities Xinjiang brings them. Mainland China welcomes Taiwan compatriots and enterprises to visit Xinjiang for tourism and business investment to get a sense of the real Xinjiang.

March 29, 2021
The MAC responded to a question regarding the resumption of the "Mini Three Links." It stated that the "Mini Three Links" is an important juncture for cross-strait exchanges. The government of Taiwan suspended the links on February 10, 2020, due to epidemic prevention considerations for Kinmen, domestic disease prevention plans, and the respect for local public opinion. Future decisions on resuming the "Mini Three Links" hinge on the overall epidemic development, local public opinion in Kinmen and Matsu, epidemic prevention capacity, and cross-strait interaction. The government will facilitate the normal and orderly exchanges between the two sides provided that the pandemic is under control in Taiwan.

March 31, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded during a regular press conference to a question on Xi Jinping’s emphasis on promoting integration through exchanging resources, giving benefits, and fostering emotional connection, and on daring to explore new paths for integrated cross-Strait development during an inspection visit to Fujian Province. She stated that deepening the integrated development of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait is Xi Jinping’s major Taiwan policy stance. This stance has set the course for the unification of the motherland. General Secretary Xi also supports Fujian Province to leverage its unique advantages in cross-Strait integrated development to create the first homeland for Taiwanese compatriots and enterprises coming to mainland China. In addition, when asked about MAC Minister Chiu Tai-san's mentioning of upcoming assessment on the phased resumption of cross-Strait exchanges, the spokesperson stated that cross-Strait exchanges are stalled primarily due to the various obstructions imposed by the DPP authorities. The remarks and behavior of the DPP authorities since the onset of the pandemic have made the motive of their obstructions clear as day. It is imperative that they correct these mistakes immediately.

March 31, 2021
The MAC responded to a statement by mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office that Xi Jinping's proposal of "facilitating integration with Taiwan” through “exchanging resources, granting benefits, and fostering emotional connection” is aimed at deepening the peaceful and integrated development between the two sides across the Taiwan Strait. The MAC stated that the CCP seeks to explore cross-Strait integrated development to advance its united front work, for which purpose it is pushing for the “smooth resource exchange on all levels” between Fujian Province and Matsu. Every measure targeting Taiwan rolled out by the CCP is the result of one-sided thinking meant for “benefitting mainland China.” The MAC called on mainland China to relinquish its outdated mindset and refrain from imposing political objectives on the economic and trade cooperation and exchanges between the two sides across the Taiwan Strait. Only this will be helpful for developing healthy and orderly cross-Strait economic and trade relations, and truly achieving mutual benefit between the two sides.

April 2, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office and Association for Relations across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) both issued a press release expressing condolences and sympathy to the victims and their families in a train derailment accident involving Taiwan Railway Agency (TRA).

April 3, 2021
Mainland Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed deep grief for the compatriots killed in the train derailment accident in Taiwan. He sent sincere condolences to the families of the victims and passengers who were injured, and wished the latter a speedy recovery.

April 12, 2021
The MAC responded to the changes made in references to the ROC government in some Hong Kong history textbooks. These textbooks rewrite the history of "the ROC government" relocating to Taiwan by replacing the subject with "Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang)." The MAC stated that the ROC is a de facto independent country. The related parties’ actions “revealed what they intended to hide." In the modern era marked by free-flowing information, such an act not only prevents them from hiding the truth but makes it all the more glaring. The MAC further emphasized that Taiwan is a free society characterized by freedom and the rule of law. Hong Kong students are welcome to study in Taiwan, seek truths in a free academic environment, and enjoy due treatments guaranteed by the law. These privileges will not be affected no matter what they’ve learned in history classes in the past.

April 13, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang responded to the relaxation of restrictions on US-Taiwan interactions stipulated in US State Department’s newly published “Guidelines for US government interactions with Taiwan counterparts.” He stated that the US government made a solemn commitment to China on abiding by the "one China" principle and the three China-US Joint Communiqués. Mainland China urges the US to put its commitments into practice, not send any wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces, and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait in practice. The DPP authorities are bound to fail if they “rely on the US to seek independence."

April 14, 2021
The MAC responded to foreign media reports about mainland China’s trademark registrations over Taiping Island in 2015 made by the Yongxing Affairs Management Bureau of its Sansha City. The MAC stated that the ROC is a sovereign state; the ROC exercises unquestionable sovereignty and has long maintained substantive and effective governance and jurisdiction over Taiping Island. The MAC also stressed that mainland China filed trademark applications for Taiping Island and its related graphics to forge a connection between ROC’s geographic names and mainland Chinese products. This action is deliberately aimed at creating a false impression that Taiping Island is under mainland China’s jurisdiction. This goes against international standards (e.g., TRIPs) and cannot change the fact that Taiping Island is part of the ROC’s territory.

April 14, 2021
The MAC responded to the criticism by mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office saying that the unofficial visit to Taiwan by former US Senator Chris Dodd is a sham. The MAC stated that the ROC is a sovereign state. Taiwan's friendly interaction and in-depth exchanges and cooperation with the US and the international community are the legitimate and natural actions by a sovereign state to the outside world. These interactions help promote regional peace and prosperity. The CCP is in no place to make disparaging comments. In addition, the Taiwan Affairs Office commented that mainland Chinese aircrafts’ repeated incursions into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the southwest was aimed at demonstrating mainland China's determination to curb "Taiwan independence" and collusion with the US. To this statement, the MAC stated that the CCP has refused to relinquish the threat of using force on Taiwan, making it the source of instability in the Taiwan Strait and the region. Blaming Taiwan for instability of the region is reversing the effect as the cause. The MAC called on the Beijing authorities to stop its military intimidation and compulsory political frameworks; instead, they should respect the public opinion in Taiwan and consider goodwill measures more.

April 14, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang responded at a regular press conference to mainland China’s vaccination programs for Taiwan compatriots. He stated that, on the voluntary basis with informed consent, Taiwan compatriots with residency permits or proof of participation in medical insurance programs in mainland China can receive vaccination in their registered place of residence. For Taiwan compatriots without residence permits or insurance certificates, applications can be filed through the Taiwan Affairs Offices at or above the county level in their place of residence. Taiwanese teachers and students in mainland China will be granted equal vaccination treatment with their mainland Chinese counterparts in schools. In addition, Ma was asked about the content pertaining to cross-Strait relations in the latest version of "A Brief History of the Communist Party of China." He said that to defend the fundamental interests of compatriots on both sides and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, it is necessary for mainland China to draw a clear bottom line to strongly deter "Taiwan independence" forces. The improvement and development of cross-Strait relations can only be made on the basis of the "one China" principle; cross-Strait negotiations and dialogue will only begin under the premise of adhering to the political common ground of the "1992 Consensus." As long as the DPP authorities relinquish their "Taiwan independence" position, stop all "Taiwan independence" activity, and return to the political foundation of the "1992 consensus," cross-Strait relations will warm up like flowers blossoming in the spring.

April 15, 2021
President Tsai Ing-wen met with a “senior delegation sent by US President Joe Biden” led by former US Senator Christopher Dodd. She stated that mainland China has frequently dispatched military vessels and aircrafts to carry out maneuvers in the waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan. These actions alter the status quo in the Indo-Pacific and threaten regional peace and stability. Taiwan is an active contributor to the international community. It is very willing to work with like-minded countries, including the US, to jointly safeguard the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region and deter aggression and provocation.

April 19, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang responded to the slanderous attacks by the DPP authorities over the conviction of Jimmy Lai and others. He stated that the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region holds criminals accountable in accordance with the law; it is their duty and must not be interfered with. The DPP authorities fish for votes and create unrest in Hong Kong to seek "independence" under the pretext of democracy and human rights. Mainland China solemnly warns the DPP authorities that they should stop their political manipulations or they shall be severely punished.

April 20, 2021
MAC Minister Chiu Tai-san made a statement during an exclusive interview with the Central News Agency (CNA) that "constructive ambiguity" does not refer to ambiguous rhetoric but a mindset of goodwill and understanding. If the two sides of the Taiwan Strait intend to maintain interaction and exchanges, they need to first find out the "greatest common denominator." Meanwhile, Minister Chiu noted that mainland China has never agreed to "one China with different interpretations”; all it has been doing is peddle the “1992 Consensus” and claim that Taiwan is an internal issue in its global propaganda campaign. When Xi Jinping proposed the idea of exploring the "one country, two systems model for Taiwan" back in 2019, the “one country” only refers to the People's Republic of China (PRC) and leaves no room for the existence of the ROC. Such a framework fails to treat the two sides as equal and only leaves mainland China’s one-sided statement that "one China" indicates the PRC. Furthermore, Minister Chiu also stated that the top priority in the post-pandemic era is to resume "healthy and orderly" exchanges between the two sides of Taiwan Strait. The successful resumption of people-to-people exchanges are instrumental in opening up exchanges on other levels in the future.

April 20, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang responded to the US and Japan’s concern about the situation in the Taiwan Strait in a joint statement, to which the DPP authorities expressed gratitude. He stated that mainland China urges the US and Japan to abide by the "one China" principle, handle the Taiwan issue properly, and stop interfering with China's internal affairs. The DPP authorities rely on foreign powers and are willing to serve as the pawns of anti-China forces. This will only put Taiwan in a more dangerous situation.

April 21, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang responded to MAC Minister Chiu Tai-san’s remarks on cross-Strait relations made in an exclusive interview. Ma stated that history has repeatedly proven that acceptance of the "1992 Consensus" is the “litmus test” for all understanding and goodwill. The DPP authorities’ remarks continue to distort and deny the "1992 Consensus." This has fully exposed their obstinate stance on seeking "independence" and their complete lack of sincerity in amending cross-Strait relations. They attempt to shirk their responsibility for undermining cross-Strait relations, mislead the public, and deceive the people of Taiwan and the international community.

April 22, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang responded to the "Taiwan International Solidarity Act" proposed by US Congressmen that aims to throw into question and challenge United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. He stated that Resolution 2758 adopted by the 26th UN General Assembly in 1971 recognizes the PRC as the sole legitimate government representing China. The DPP authorities collude with foreign powers and repeatedly challenge the UN General Assembly resolutions in an attempt to overturn the ironclad fact that Taiwan is part of China. They defy the authority and legitimacy of the UN General Assembly resolutions and seek to reinforce the fallacy of "Taiwan independence." This will ultimately be a wishful thinking and is bound to end in failure.

April 26, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang responded to the statements by Tsai Ing-wen and Lai Ching-te at the Global Taiwan National Affairs Symposium calling for Taiwan to “become a normalized country." He said that the DPP authorities let their façade of seeking to "ease cross-Strait relations" crack as they wantonly spread the “Taiwan Independence” rhetoric. There is only one China in the world. Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, from which it can never be separated. Issues involving China's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be decided by all Chinese people. The future of Taiwan lies in national unification; the well-being of Taiwan compatriots hinges on the unification of the country. This is an overall historical trend that no person or force can change.

April 28, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang responded during a regular press conference to claims by the MAC that the two sides need goodwill and understanding and should prioritize resuming healthy and orderly exchanges. He stated that the DPP authorities should first face up to the ”litmus test” of the "1992 Consensus" embodying the "one China" principle. This is the fundamental issue of cross-Strait relations that cannot be avoided. The DPP authorities continue to create cross-Strait antagonism and confrontation, collude with foreign powers to make provocation and seek "independence," and attempt to fabricate the so-called "goodwill" to deceive the world and shirk responsibility. They will never succeed. On a question regarding the easing of restrictions on cross-Strait personnel exchanges, the spokesperson stated that mainland China’s entry control measures are science-based and essential, making them intrinsically different from the series of discriminatory and political restrictive measures adopted by the DPP authorities, including banning mainland Chinese residents from visiting Taiwan. The DPP authorities should promptly cancel unreasonable restrictions and allow cross-Strait personnel exchanges to gradually return to normal. Mainland China's attitude is very clear: whoever shuts the door should open it.

April 28, 2021
The MAC responded to mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office’s comment that, if the DPP authorities are sincere, they should promptly lift border control measures. The MAC stated that it has always been open-minded about the two sides resuming normal, healthy, and orderly exchanges once the pandemic is brought under control. The government will strike a balance between disease prevention and the gradual promotion of cross-Strait exchanges by taking into account the science-based pandemic-related decisions made by the Central Epidemic Command Center, the global pandemic development, the capacity of domestic epidemic prevention, and the development of cross-Strait interaction. The government will conduct assessment of a gradual resumption of people-to-people exchanges and transportation arrangement across the Taiwan Strait and make adjustments step by step.

April 29, 2021
Mainland China’s Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian responded to media reports that the DPP authorities have set up surveillance, warning, and destruction zones in its airspace over the Taiwan Strait, and made the area up to 30 nautical miles around Taiwan a "red line" in response to incursions of PLA fighter jets. He stated that any zones or lines established by the DPP authorities between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are invalid and cannot undermine mainland China’s determination or will to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The DPP authorities are “seeking independence by force," which is biting more than they can chew and will only lead them to their own destruction.

May 7, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the comments made by Joseph Wu hyping the so-called the CCP’s "military threat" to Taiwan and spreading the "Taiwan Independence" rhetoric. Zhu stated that there is only "one China" in the world; Taiwan is part of mainland China. This is an ironclad fact that no person or power can change. Zhu solemnly warned the DPP authorities and the likes of Joseph Wu not to misjudge the situation. "Taiwan independence" is a dead end. Every "Taiwan independence" diehard who sacrifices national interests and seeks to divide mainland China will eventually be faced with the trial and punishment of history.

May 7, 2021
Mainland China' spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in France responded to a pro-Taiwan resolution passed by the French Senate. The resolution advocated support for Taiwan to participate in the World Health Assembly (WHA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO, commonly known as Interpol). This is a clear violation of the "one China" principle and a blatant interference with "China's" internal affairs. The spokesperson also emphasized that adhering to the "one China" principle is the political foundation of China-France relations. This is a solemn commitment made by each and every French administration to China since the two sides developed diplomatic ties in 1964.

May 8, 2021
The MAC expressed the following position in a press release regarding calls by former President Ma Ying-jeou for Taiwan to return to the original meaning of the "1992 Consensus" to avoid war. It stated that the most critical factor in the unrest across the Taiwan Strait and in the region is the CCP's refusal to renounce the use of force against Taiwan. The "1992 Consensus" advocated by the former President Ma has, under the Beijing authorities’ definition, been constrained to the "one China” principle asserted by the People's Republic of China. Since the "one country, two systems model for Taiwan" was proposed under "Xi's five points," the “1992 Consensus” has set the tone for imposing the “one China” principle and "one country, two systems" on Taiwan. The government had solemnly refuted this proposition at the time it was first laid out in January 2019. The result of Taiwan's presidential election in 2020 has further underscored Taiwanese public's resolute opposition to the "one country, two systems," and rejection of the self-entrapped "1992 Consensus" that leads Taiwan to a dead end. History has already turned a page on the "1992 Consensus"; therefore, we believe there is no longer a need to further discuss the issues related to it.

May 8, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the claims made by the MAC saying that the Hong Kong government’s plan on introducing a new bill to combat disinformation constitutes “suppression of freedom of speech" and "political pressuring." She stated that the DPP authorities make irresponsible remarks on the legitimate actions by the Hong Kong government, which is a typical example of a thief shouting thief to shift blame. She warned the DPP authorities to immediately stop its political manipulation of Hong Kong affairs and not go further down the dead-end path of creating chaos in Hong Kong and to seek "independence."

May 10, 2021
Mainland China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Hua Chunying responded during a regular press conference to the support for Taiwan to participate in the World Health Assembly (WHA) made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the G7 foreign ministers' meeting. She stated that Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, including events related to the World Health Organization (WHO), must be handled in accordance with the “one China” principle. This is the basic principle verified by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1. It is the DPP authorities’ obstinate "Taiwan independence" separatist position that deprived Taiwan of the political foundation needed to participate in the WHA. The DPP authorities are fully responsible for this.

May 11, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to Tsai Ing-wen's "Taiwan Independence" rhetoric under the pretext of "democracy" at this year's Copenhagen Democracy Summit. She stated that the DPP authorities collude with foreign forces and anti-China institutions to play a series of political farces. This has fully exposed their nature of seeking "independence" but does not change the fact that Taiwan is part of mainland China. Mainland China urges relevant countries to abide by the "one China" principle and not provide convenience or stages for the DPP authorities to seek "independence" in the international arena.

May 12, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded during a regular press conference to Ma Ying-jeou's call for Tsai Ing-wen to return to the original meaning of the "1992 Consensus." She stated that the "1992 Consensus" is at the heart of cross-Strait relations and a litmus test for the DPP authorities' so-called "goodwill" and "sincerity." This is a foundation of cross-Strait relations that cannot be avoided or turned over. The warmth of spring comes from the east wind, which is the "1992 Consensus." The things that happened recently prove that the east wind has not yet arrived and that “to usher in a new spring” is nothing more than the DPP authorities’ political calculation to deceive people. In addition, when asked about the Treaty of San Francisco, Zhu said that the so-called “Treaty of San Francisco” was fabricated by a very small number of western countries during the Cold War. The DPP authorities have been hyping this piece of waste paper documenting illegal and invalid historical deals in an attempt to mislead and confuse the public and challenge the "one China" principle widely recognized by the international community. They are bound to fail.

May 13, 2021
MAC Spokesperson Chiu Chui-Cheng responded during a regular press conference to the claims by mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office saying that the Treaty of San Francisco is a piece of waste paper documenting illegal and invalid historical deals. He stated that Taiwan has never been part of the People's Republic of China, neither historically, nor under international law, nor based on cross-Strait realities.

May 14, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to another provocative “independence”-seeking remark made by the MAC on May 13. She stated that the DPP authorities are adamant about propagating the so-called "two Chinas," "one China, one Taiwan," or "Taiwan independence." This is futile and risky. She warned the DPP authorities to quit these actions and return from the wrong path before falling off a cliff. They should stop all “independence”-seeking rhetoric and provocation that distort black and white and confuse right and wrong. They should not slide down the wrong path of "Taiwan independence" into the abyss.

May 17, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian commented on the appeals made by some Taiwan civil groups to the DPP authorities calling for a swift permission to mainland Chinese COVID-19 vaccines. She stated that viruses are ruthless but people are compassionate; compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are all sons and daughters of mainland China and are mainland Chinese people’s blood relatives. Every sector of the mainland Chinese society has always been concerned about the lives, health, and safety of Taiwan compatriots and are willing to do their utmost to help Taiwan compatriots overcome the pandemic as soon as possible. The top priority at the moment is to remove the political obstacles in Taiwan so that Taiwan compatriots can gain access to these vaccines.

May 17, 2021
The MAC responded to the claims by mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office saying that mainland China is willing to do its utmost to help the people of Taiwan overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. The MAC stated that mainland China does not need to cry crocodile tears. Had there been no obstruction from mainland China, Taiwan could have accessed many more vaccines of high efficacy from foreign nations. If the CCP indeed cares about the Taiwan public, it should stop sending military aircraft to harass Taiwan so Taiwan can concentrate on fighting the pandemic. Only this will enhance the well-being of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. There might have been some sporadic opinions in Taiwan echoing mainland China’s propaganda campaigns, but they do not represent the people of Taiwan; mainland China should not mistake that they do either.

May 18, 2021
The Hong Kong government stated it would temporarily suspend the operations of the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office (HKETCO) in Taiwan, effective immediately.

May 18, 2021
The MAC expressed its position in a press release on the temporary suspension of operations of the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office (HKETCO) in Taipei. The MAC stated that Taiwan respects the decision made by the Hong Kong government to temporarily suspend operations of the HKETCO, regardless of the reason behind the closure. However, Taiwan expresses its deep regret at the unilateral decision as the HKECTO was established in accordance with the consensus reached in 2011, which led to the setting up of respective representative offices in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and has been in operation for many years. Considering the welfare of people in Taiwan and Hong Kong, and to safeguard the rights of Taiwan citizens in Hong Kong, staff members at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Hong Kong will hold fast to their position and maintain the operations of the office. Related services will continue to be available to people in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

May 20, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the claims made by the DPP authorities saying that mainland China is taking advantage of the resurgence of COVID-19 infections in Taiwan to wage another round of "cognitive warfare against Taiwan." She stated that the DPP authorities should pay more attention to employing science-based and professional methods to control the pandemic instead of playing political tricks. They should take effective measures to promptly control the pandemic and safeguard the lives, health, interests, and welfare of Taiwan compatriots.

May 21, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the verbal attacks by the DPP authorities on the suspension of operations of the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office (HKECTO) in Taiwan. She stated that the DPP authorities have long been meddling with Hong Kong affairs in various ways out of their "Taiwan independence" scheme. They support, instigate, and provide asylum to Hong Kong rioters, or the “black mob,” and wantonly undermine Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. They slander and attack the "one country, two systems" and engage in separatist activities. Zhu solemnly warned the DPP authorities not to go further down the dead-end path of creating chaos in Hong Kong to seek "independence"; otherwise, they will be severely punished.

May 21, 2021
The MAC issued a response to Hong Kong government’s remarks on the temporary suspension of operations of the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office (HKECTO). The Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office (HKETCO) was established in 2011 based on an exchange of letters between Taiwan and Hong Kong on the subject of setting up respective representative offices. According to the spirit of the exchange of letters, the purpose of mutually setting up representative offices was for providing services for the people of both sides and handling general administrative affairs. It did not touch upon political issues such as the "1992 Consensus." The Hong Kong government’s deliberate distortion of the fact is clearly aiming at specific political objectives. Taiwan strongly disagrees with this maneuver. Since July 2018, the Hong Kong government has imposed unreasonable political preconditions on our personnel stationing at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Hong Kong. This has not only interfered with the normal staff rotation and office operations but also disregarded the rights and welfare of people on both sides. This has violated the content of letters exchanged between the two sides in 2011, and has severely undermined Taiwan-Hong Kong relations. Taiwan, along with other major democracies, has voiced our support for the people of Hong Kong in their fight for democracy and freedom based on the universal values we believe in. Meanwhile, under provisions of the Act Governing Relations with Hong Kong and Macau, Taiwan provides humanitarian aid and essential services to Hong Kong citizens entering Taiwan through legal channels. Regretfully, the Hong Kong government has misinterpreted these actions as a provocation. Such mindset that belittles democracy and the rule of law further reflects the guilty conscience of the Hong Kong government.

May 24, 2021
A spokesperson for mainland China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on the refusal by the General Committee and Plenary Session of the 74th World Health Assembly (WHA) to include the motion to "invite Taiwan to attend the WHA as an observer" in the meeting agenda. The spokesperson said that this fully illustrates that the "one China" principle is what the international community seeks and a general trend that cannot be challenged. Mainland China again advises the DPP authorities that "using the pandemic to seek independence" is a dead end. It also urges individual countries to stop politicizing health issues and using the Taiwan issue to interfere in China's internal affairs. Otherwise, they will only shoot themselves in the foot and are doomed to end in failure.

May 24, 2021
The MAC issued a news reference material where it solemnly protested and expressed deep displeasure over the CCP authorities' continued suppression and obstruction of Taiwan's participation in this year's virtual World Health Assembly (WHA). It emphasized that Taiwan has never been part of the People's Republic of China, neither historically, nor under international law, nor based on cross-Strait realities. Furthermore, Taiwan has never accepted the CCP's unilaterally established "one China" principle. The CCP's distorted interpretations of the United Nations General Assembly and World Health Organization (WHO) resolutions, aiming to denigrate Taiwan and mislead the international community, have caused harm to the health rights of the people of Taiwan. These irresponsible actions are by no means conducive to the development of cross-Strait relations. The MAC sternly admonished the CCP authorities that the key to the development of cross-Strait relations is mutual respect, goodwill, and understanding, instead of the imposition of a one-sidedly engineered “political framework” on the other side and letting it come before the right to health.

May 25, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the announcement of not including Taiwan-related proposals in the meeting agenda made by the president of the 74th World Health Assembly (WHA). She stated that WHA’s decision once again shows that seeking "Taiwan independence" is a dead end, that hyping Taiwan-related issues will not win public support, and that the "one China" principle is the consensus of the international community and a general trend. Mainland China has always attached great importance to the health and well-being of Taiwan compatriots. Taiwan has smooth and effective channels for obtaining information and support pertaining to pandemic prevention and control. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, mainland China has issued pandemic-related notices to Taiwan for 260 times and allowed Taiwan’s health experts to participate in the technical events of the WHO for 16 times. The so-called "gap in international epidemic prevention" is nothing but a political lie and a pretext for the DPP authorities to "use the pandemic to seek independence."

May 26, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded at a regular press conference to the claims by the DPP authorities saying that mainland China is using vaccine-related issues to advance its united front work against Taiwan, to divide the Taiwan society, and wage the so-called "cognitive warfare against Taiwan." She stated that the DPP authorities act in political self-interest. They have not only ignored mainland China's goodwill but also maliciously slandered mainland China and vulgarly blocked opportunities that will help the people of Taiwan fight the pandemic. They should pay more attention to preventing and controlling the pandemic through science-based and professional methods and stop playing political tricks.

May 26, 2021
The MAC responded to the claims by mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office saying that the DPP authorities act in political self-interest and continue to ignore mainland China’s goodwill in offering to donate vaccines to Taiwan. The MAC stated that if mainland China indeed cares about the Taiwan public, it should refrain from its non-stop military pressuring with fighter jets amid the pandemic; it should also stop its outrageous suppression on Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA). Moreover, mainland China should not use vaccine-related issues to advance its united front work and divide Taiwan’s society. It should quit meddling with Taiwan’s efforts to obtain disease control resources and cease all pressuring through its united front work. Only this will allow Taiwan to concentrate on fighting the pandemic and would be considered goodwill to Taiwan and helpful for the well-being of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

May 27, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the claims by Tsai Ing-wen saying that Taiwan could not sign a contract with Germany's BioNTech (BNT) for vaccine procurement due to mainland China’s meddling. She stated that the so-called mainland China’s obstruction of BNT vaccine sale to Taiwan is completely fabricated. Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group had already reached a deal with BNT as early as March 2020 to participate in its vaccine development in exchange for exclusive commercial rights for mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. The DPP authorities are well-aware of this, but they refuse to play by the rules. They insist on contravening the business rules and the principle of integrity by trying to bypass Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group to purchase vaccines from BNT directly.

May 27, 2021
Mainland China’s Ministry of National Defense Spokesperson Tan Kefei responded to the plans of the US to sell offensive weapons to Taiwan. He stated that the Taiwan issue is China’s internal affair; mainland China firmly opposes arms sales to and military ties with Taiwan by any country in any form. US arms deals with Taiwan are a severe breach of the “one China” principle and the three China-US Joint Communiqués; they send gravely wrong signals to the separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence." Mainland China urges the US to abide by the basic norms of "non-interference in domestic affairs" that governs in international relations and handle Taiwan-related issues properly and prudently. Tan solemnly warned the DPP authorities that any attempts or actions to rely on foreign powers to seek separatism are doomed to fail. The spokesperson was also asked about Japan’s first-ever mentioning of "the stability of the situation around Taiwan is important, not only for the security of Japan, but for the stability of the international society” in the draft of Japan's 2021 Defense White Paper. He urged Japan to speak and act prudently and know when to advance or retreat on issues related to mainland China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

May 28, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the proposal of donating COVID-19 vaccines to Kinmen and Matsu made by the heads of Red Cross in Fuzhou and Xiamen. She stated that the MAC's comments are still aimed at preventing the majority of Taiwanese from receiving mainland Chinese vaccines and easing the pandemic soon. She advised the DPP authorities that in light of the growing pressure for epidemic control in Taiwan, it is imperative that Taiwan compatriots gain early access to WHO-approved mainland Chinese vaccines. The DPP authorities should stop playing with words or political tactics and not miss the timing to achieve herd immunity for Taiwan people.

May 28, 2021
Mainland China's Guangdong Province announced Measures to Support the Development of Taiwanese-funded Enterprises in Guangdong's Agricultural and Forestry Sectors (i.e. the "Guangdong-Taiwan Agriculture and Forestry: 34 Articles"). It stipulates that Taiwanese compatriots and enterprises shall enjoy equal treatment as their counterparts in Guangdong regarding application qualifications and preferential policies.

May 31, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian stated that every sector of Taiwan’s society is fervently looking forward to the import of mainland Chinese vaccines, and yet the MAC continues its old path of political manipulation. She said that mainland China is willing do its utmost to help Taiwan compatriots respond to the pandemic, including promptly making arrangements to provide Taiwan compatriots with mainland Chinese vaccines. Mainland China also encourages non-governmental organizations in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Fujian to donate vaccines to Taiwan compatriots so that they will have prompt access to mainland Chinese vaccines. By contrast, at this critical juncture of pandemic control, the DPP authorities are still blinded by their political demons and disregard people's lives and health. They continue to play political tricks and attempt to throw the blame on mainland China to shift focus.

June 1, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office director Liu Jie-yi presented a speech at the 10th anniversary of reunion of the two halves of the painting "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains." He stated that this event deepens young people’s understanding of the shared roots and origin across the Taiwan Strait and reinforces cultural, ethnic, and national identity. The two halves of the painting have been rejoined after a few centuries apart, and compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are marching towards each other and developing toward integration. The motherland must and will be unified. Liu also claimed that compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait form a community with a shared future through thick and thin. Mainland China will spare no effort to help Taiwan compatriots control the pandemic and weather this storm.

June 1, 2021
The MAC responded to the claims by mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office director Liu Jie-yi saying that mainland China is willing to help Taiwanese people overcome the Covid-19 pandemic and hopes that Taiwan compatriots will remove obstacles as promptly as possible. The MAC stated that the CCP has long suppressed Taiwan internationally on its participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA) and intervened to prevent Taiwan from obtaining vaccines from overseas. Mainland China has taken advantage of the severe pandemic in Taiwan, undisguisedly obstructed possible assistance from countries friendly to Taiwan, and intensively manipulated the vaccine issue to undermine the unity of Taiwanese society in fighting the pandemic. The MAC believes the majority of Taiwanese people have long seen through mainland China’s tricks played whenever possible. The Taiwanese society will not be coerced or divided, and the people's morale will not be shaken.

June 3, 2021
The MAC stated in a press release on the 32nd anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Incident that democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law are the way of life and universal values treasured by Taiwan and the world alike. The CCP authorities, until today, have failed to address the historical lessons of the Tiananmen Square Incident. They have also shied away from reflecting on the mistakes of their violent rule, for which they have yet to extend sincere apologies. The MAC expressed its regret and called on the other side of the Taiwan Strait to properly implement people-centered political reforms, refrain from stifling people's call for democracy, and promptly transfer power back to its people. Only when the CCP authorities seriously contemplate and implement mechanisms to safeguard social justice, democratic reforms, human rights, and freedoms, will the cross-Strait institutional differences marked by “authoritarian vs. democratic” be gradually bridged. This is also how the two sides across the Taiwan Strait can achieve the spirit of mutual respect and understanding while raising the possibility of resolving differences. Furthermore, the CCP should abandon its aggressive political claims on Taiwan as well as the diplomatic suppression and military threats towards Taiwan. Rather, it should face up to Taiwan's proposal of "peace, parity, democracy, and dialogue" as the key to benign cross-Strait interactions. This is the only way to advance the well-being of people on both sides across the Taiwan Strait.

June 4, 2021
In an article on "Firmly Safeguarding China's Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity, Striving to Fully Reunify the Nation" published in Dangjian magazine, mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office director Liu Jie-yi stated that unification of the motherland is a key element of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and an unstoppable historical trend. "Time" and "circumstances" are always on our side. Mainland China is willing to create a broad space for peaceful unification, but there is no room for various forms of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities. "Peaceful unification and one country, two systems" are the best ways to achieve national unification, promote peaceful and integrated development of cross-Strait relations. The motherland must be and will be reunified. This is an indisputable historical conclusion. Mainland China will firmly curb "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and interference by foreign forces. It will not renounce the use of force and will reserve the option to take all necessary measures against interference by foreign forces and the handful of "Taiwan independence" separatists and their separatist activities.

June 4, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiao-guang responded to the DPP authorities' appreciation to Japan for providing the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to Taiwan. He stated that the DPP authorities have flagrantly obstructed the import of mainland Chinese vaccines to Taiwan on every possible pretext. This has resulted in a steady rise in the number of confirmed cases and deaths on the island. The DPP puts political manipulation before the people's life, health, and safety. Is political survival more important than the lives of the people in Taiwan? This is a question that DPP authorities must answer to the Taiwanese public.

June 7, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiao-guang stated in regard to a visit by three US senators to Taiwan that China urges the US to abide the “one China” principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, handle the Taiwan issue cautiously and properly, and stop all forms of official and military contacts with Taiwan. The DPP authorities deliberately scheme to provoke trouble in cross-Strait relations. This again exposes their true nature of blind political manipulation to seek "independence."

June 9, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiao-guang responded to a comment by the American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office director during an interview with the Taiwan media that "Taiwan did not cause the deterioration in cross-Strait relations." He stated that the root cause of the tension and turmoil in cross-Strait relations is the DPP authorities' stubborn adherence to the position of "Taiwan independence" and refusal to the "1992 consensus" embodying the "one China" principle. Out of political self-interest, the DPP has constantly incited the sentiment of "anti-China and hatred against China" in Taiwan, provoked cross-Strait confrontation, and obstructed and disrupted normal cross-Strait exchanges. The DPP authorities bear full responsibility for the tension and turmoil in cross-Strait relations. China urges the US government to take concrete action to abide by the “one China” principle and stipulations in the three China-US joint communiqués, distinguish right from wrong, and speak and act prudently on the Taiwan issue instead of sending the wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. The US should play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, rather than acting to the contrary.

June 9, 2021
The MAC responded to a statement by mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiao-guang. In reaction to comments by American Institute in Taiwan director William Brent Christensen saying that "worsening cross-Strait relations is not Taiwan's fault," Ma Xiao-guang stated that China urges the US government and certain people to "speak and act prudently" and the DPP authorities should bear full responsibility for the situations of cross-Strait relations. The MAC stated that the CCP has intensified military threats against Taiwan and coerced Taiwan into accepting its unilaterally decided political endgame of cross-Strait relations. It is universally recognized that the threats and coercion imposed by the CCP are the main source of the current instability across the Taiwan Strait. Mainland China bears full responsibility for cross-Strait antagonism through its deliberate political manipulation based on misjudgment of the situation.

June 10, 2021
Mainland China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wen-bin responded at a regular press conference to a comment by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on "the three countries of Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan." He stated that Japanese leaders have flagrantly referred to Taiwan as a so-called "country", severely violating principles set out in the Japan-China Joint Communiqué and other 3 political documents. This has also violated Japan’s solemn and repeated commitment of “not viewing Taiwan as a country” up until now. Mainland China expressed deep displeasure at these actions and has asked Japan to make prompt and clear clarification. The Taiwan issue bears on the political foundation of China-Japan relations, the basic trust and good faith between the two countries, and the international rule of law and justice. Mainland China urges Japan to earnestly honor its commitment, be prudent in words and actions, avoid undermining its sovereignty in any form, and refrain from sending wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" forces in any form.

June 10, 2021
The MAC responded to the Taiwan Association for Human Rights' call for the government to implement related procedures for Hong Kong people seeking asylum in Taiwan. It stated that the government has responded to the changing situation in Hong Kong, not only by voicing support to the freedom and democracy of the Hong Kong people, but also by establishing the Taiwan-Hong Kong Services and Exchange Office and taking other concrete actions. The MAC rendered humanitarian assistance and care in a pragmatic manner in accordance with Article 18 of the Act Governing Relations with Hong Kong and Macao and other existing regulations. Processing mechanisms already exist under current laws and regulations. Assistance is provided flexibly and appropriately on a case-by-case basis according to the needs of specific cases.

June 11, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiao-guang responded to the flagrant repeated referral to Taiwan as a "country" by Japanese government officials. He said that Taiwan is part of China. China firmly opposes the misrepresentations by certain Japanese officials on China's Taiwan area. It urges the Japanese side to promptly correct its mistakes, take practical actions to abide the “one China” principle and the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan, speak and act prudently on the Taiwan issue, and not send any wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" forces. He warned the DPP authorities and "Taiwan independence" separatist forces that their attempts and actions to collude with foreign powers to violate the “one China” principle will not change the ironclad fact that Taiwan is part of China.

June 16, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiao-guang responded during a regular press conference to COVID-19 vaccination of Taiwan compatriots in mainland China. He said that based on incomplete statistics, as of May 31, approximately 62,000 Taiwan compatriots in mainland China had been voluntarily vaccinated with informed consent and complied with relevant policies. This fully demonstrates the trust of Taiwan compatriots in the safety and efficacy of mainland Chinese vaccines. Taiwanese compatriots who come to mainland China on civil airline passenger flights to be vaccinated, as long as they meet the vaccination requirements, can be vaccinated in mainland China according to relevant policies under strictly enforced entry regulations for epidemic prevention (including pre-boarding and after arrival) and with voluntary and informed consent. Responding to statements in the G7 Summit Joint Communiqué regarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, he said that China will never allow the DPP authorities to treat its goodwill as an opportunity to seek "independence" and will never allow anyone to separate Taiwan from mainland China by any means. The DPP authorities insist on linking peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait to what others called the "Indo-Pacific strategy." This approach of "appealing to foreigners" perfectly exposes DPP’s political nature of relying on foreign forces to confront mainland China.

June 16, 2021
The Macao government announced temporary suspension of operations of the Macao Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan from June 19.

June 16, 2021
The MAC stated its position in a press release on Macao government’s temporary suspension of operations of the Macao Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taiwan from June 19. It stated that The MECO was established based on the exchange of letters between Taiwan and Macao in 2011 regarding mutually setting up representative offices. Since its establishment, Taiwan has made every effort to render assistance by upholding the attitude of goodwill and reciprocity. The MAC expressed deep regret that the Macao government had unilaterally made the decision to suspend operations at MECO, and stressed that the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Macao will continue to be in operation to provide services to the public and ensure their rights and welfare.

June 16, 2021
The MAC responded to claims by mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiao-guang saying that the DPP authorities have set artificial barriers to the imports of vaccines by the private sector of Taiwan. It stated recently that the CCP has repeatedly touted mainland-manufactured vaccines and engaged in an incessant global propaganda campaign. It is time to stop the united front campaign of vaccine. The MAC called on mainland China to cease using the pandemic to loot and create chaos. Continuing on this path will only deepen estrangement between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait and will in no way benefit the post-pandemic development of cross-Strait relations.

June 17, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiao-guang responded to the statements by the DPP authorities on the suspension of operations of the Macao office in Taiwan as sheer bunk. He stated that mainland China supports the handling of Taiwan-related affairs by the Macao government in accordance with the Basic Law and basic principles of the central government on such matters. The DPP authorities are well aware of the reasons for the suspension of the operations of the Macao office in Taiwan, and any distortion or excuses are useless.

June 18, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiao-guang commented on the DPP authorities' consent to authorize TSMC and the YongLin Foundation to purchase BNT vaccines. He said that Fosun Pharma in Shanghai has long clearly expressed its willingness to provide vaccines to Taiwan compatriots. Mainland China hopes that the counties, cities, and private sectors in Taiwan can promptly reach a vaccine purchase agreement with Fosun Pharma according to normal business rules so the people of Taiwan can access the urgently needed vaccines as soon as possible. The DPP authorities' press release deliberately evades the facts and even lies about a so-called "international procurement contract." Mainland China advises them to stop using the lives and health of Taiwanese people as a bargaining chip for political manipulation. On claims by the US Ambassador to the United Nations that mainland China is using vaccines to pressure Taiwan’s so-called “diplomatic allies.” He stated that the DPP authorities are proud to serve as "pawns" for anti-China forces in the US. They should be ashamed of themselves for selling out national interests to seek "independence." They have disregarded the raging pandemic on the island, and ignore the life and health of Taiwan compatriots. They will fail in their political plot to achieve "Taiwan Independence" in collusion with foreign powers.

June 20, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiao-guang commented on the attacks by Taiwan's MAC on the Hong Kong government suspending operations at the Hong Kong Economic, Cultural and Trade office in Taipei as nonsense. He stated that such remarks show that DPP authorities have not changed their vile nature of disrupting Hong Kong and seeking "independence." Rather than reflecting on the depravity of their intervention in Hong Kong affairs, the DPP supported and granted asylum to the black-clad protesters and covered up their misdeeds by shifting blame and rashly criticizing the Hong Kong government for its legitimate actions.

June 20, 2021
The MAC expressed its position in a press release on operational adjustments of the TECO in Hong Kong (hereinafter “the Office”) in response to the changing situation. It stated that since July 2018 the Hong Kong government has repeatedly demanded that the Taiwanese personnel at the Office sign the "One China Commitment Letter" in order to obtain work visas. This precondition has prevented Taiwanese personnel from extending their term or assuming posts at the Office. Given these development, Taiwan has made operational adjustments at the Office starting June 21 this year. Taiwan and Hong Kong mutually established representative offices based on the principle of reciprocity and mutual benefit. Over the years, the Office has always been committed to serving the public and its operations have been in line with laws and regulations, never once had it overstepped the scope of the operations and functions allowed. The CCP and Hong Kong government created obstruction for Taiwanese staff members’ visa renewal with the "One China Commitment Letter," which has impeded the staff rotation and normal operations at the Office. This also constitutes a unilateral violation of the exchange of Letters between Taiwan and Hong Kong in 2011. Therefore, the CCP and Hong Kong government must take full responsibility for undermining Taiwan-Hong Kong relations and infringing on people’s rights and interests. We stand firmly against this preposterous political suppression in the form of coercing Taiwanese personnel into signing the "One China Commitment Letter." We also sternly caution and condemn the CCP and Hong Kong government for this repression.

June 21, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiao-guang commented on further attacks by Taiwan's MAC against the Hong Kong government for suspending operations at Hong Kong office in Taiwan under the banner of "democracy and freedom" and use this as an excuse to disrupt Hong Kong and seek "independence." He stated that the Taiwan office stationed in Hong Kong must operate on the political basis of the “one China” principle and comply with the Basic Law and other related laws of the Hong Kong special administrative region. The DPP authorities suppress dissidents, censor speech, deceive the people, and manipulate public opinion in Taiwan. They do not hesitate to use any despicable means for political manipulation. What qualifications or face do they have to discuss democracy and freedom? What emboldens them to promote themselves as "defenders of democracy?"

June 21, 2021
The MAC issued a news reference material clarifying Taiwan's position on operational adjustments of TECO in Hong Kong (hereinafter “the Office”): 1. As the mutual establishment of offices between Taiwan and Hong Kong was based on the principle of reciprocity, Taiwan cannot accept Hong Kong’s unilateral imposition of political preconditions that downgrade Taiwan’s national status. 2. The unreasonable action taken by the Hong Kong government at the behest of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) again proves that the “one country, two systems” framework exists in name only; the Hong Kong government’s unilateral violation of an agreement constitutes a black mark that should be of grave concern to the international community. 3. With their every action based on political calculations, the PRC and Hong Kong governments are the culprits behind the disruption of Taiwan-Hong Kong ties and are fully responsible for the negative impact on the people’s rights and interests. 4. Taiwanese people and the international community should stay vigilant and stand firmly together to form a line of defense for democracy in Asia. 5. Taiwan’s support for democracy and freedom for the people of Hong Kong should not serve as an excuse for political suppression on Taiwan. 6. The Office will uphold its duty to serve the public, with full support from related ministries and agencies. The MAC also stated that, though confronted by an extremely difficult and inimical situation, where compromise and endurance no longer bring about the greater good, the Office will hold fast to its promise to serve the people and make adjustments that allow it to continue doing so.

June 25, 2021
The MAC responded on over a hundred Taiwanese people invited to attend the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CCP. It stated that the celebration is a high-profile united front event, and the CCP would certainly take the opportunity to trumpet its achievements of governance and conduct united front work against Taiwan. Currently serving or retired public officials at the central or local governments who are restricted from going to mainland China are not allowed to participate. The general public should also consider national dignity and social perception, refrain from engaging in activities that endanger national security or interests, and should not participate in activities that undermine sovereignty or involve the promotion of the "one country, two systems" initiative. The MAC also called on the CCP to respect the historical facts and face up to the existence of the ROC. Besides, the CCP should respect the insistence of Taiwan's 23 million people on the development of cross-Strait relations and the values of freedom and democracy, and to not impose political manipulation on cross-Strait exchanges. Only then can cross-Strait relations go on the path of benign interaction.

July 1, 2021
The CCP leader Xi Jin-ping presented a speech at the centennial celebration of the founding of the CCP. He stated that resolving the Taiwan issue and unifying the motherland are the unswerving historical missions of the CCP and the common aspiration of all Chinese people. The path toward the peaceful unification of the motherland must be advanced in upholding the "one China" principle and the "1992 Consensus." All Chinese people, including compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, must work together, advance as one, resolutely crush any "Taiwan independence" conspiracies, and jointly create a bright future of national rejuvenation. No one should underestimate the strong determination, firm will, and powerful capability of the Chinese people to defend their national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

July 1, 2021
The MAC responded to the CCP leader's address at the celebration of the party's centennial saying that the CCP's one-party dictatorship stifled democracy for people, and violated human rights and freedom in mainland China. Today, in the name of "national rejuvenation," the CCP escalates its authoritarian dictatorship domestically and readopts the old path of "the state advances and the private sector retreats" policy economically. Externally, it seeks to interrupt the rule-based international order and even reveals its ambition to become a regional and global hegemony. Such actions have seriously threatened regional security and global democratic and free systems. The MAC called on mainland China to truly "learn from the history," to promptly promote political reforms, restore power to the people, and truly become a responsible stakeholder for regional peace. It urged the Beijing authorities to face up to the cross-Strait reality and respect the commitment of Taiwan's public opinion on the development of cross-Strait relations. Only when mainland China renounces the self-imposed political frameworks and military intimidation on Taiwan and faces up to Taiwan's guiding principle of "peace, parity, democracy, and dialogue" can the two sides of the Taiwan Strait engage in benign interactions and sustainable development.

July 2, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Feng-lian responded to attacks by the DPP authorities against mainland China around the centennial of the CCP on July 1. She said that the DPP authorities deliberately misrepresents mainland China’s independent and autonomous foreign policy of peace. This act again exposes the DPP’s despicable nature of willing to serve as a pawn for Western anti-China forces, treat China's 1.4 billion people as enemy, and seek "Taiwan independence." Since coming to power, the DPP has refused to recognize the "1992 Consensus", unilaterally undermined the common political foundation of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. It has latched onto foreign powers, incited cross-Strait confrontation, manipulated "opposition and hatred towards China," and sought "Taiwan independence." This has caused tension and unrest in cross-Strait relations, seriously harmed the vital interests of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, especially Taiwan compatriots, and gravely damaged the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation. Taiwan is part of China and it has never been a country. Chinese people will never allow Taiwan to separate from China. Mainland China warns the DPP authorities that today the motherland is becoming increasingly powerful. Seeking confrontation and separation is nothing but wishful thinking and will only lead to a dead end.

July 6, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Feng-lian responded to a statement by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Japan Taro Aso stating that "the US and Japan will jointly defend Taiwan." She urged Japan to reflect deeply on history, immediately correct its mistakes, take concrete action to abide by the "one China" principle and the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan, and stop all erroneous words and actions related to Taiwan. The DPP authorities' vain attempt to collude with Japan and other foreign forces to provoke and seek "independence" is misjudging and miscalculating the situation.

July 6, 2021
The MAC issued the “Analysis Report: 24 Years after Hong Kong's Handover.” The report indicated that over the past year, the CCP has launched an orchestrated and relentless political purge and taken advantage of the “Hong Kong National Security Law”. On the political front, the nature of the “one country, two systems” initiative for Hong Kong has fundamentally shifted from “Hong Kong governed by Hong Kong people” and "high degree of autonomy" to "patriots governing Hong Kong" and "overall governance by the CCP," signifying that Hong Kong has been "mainlandized" as a whole. The democratic power of checks and balances, freedom, and human rights have been stifled. More than 60% of the Hong Kong people lack confidence in the future environment of Hong Kong and their personal freedom. In response to the changing circumstances in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong government's demand that Taiwanese personnel at the Taipei Economic and Culture Office (TECO) in Hong Kong sign a "One China Commitment Letter" to obtain work visas, Taiwan has insisted on safeguarding its position of national sovereignty, democracy, and freedom. The government has also proposed contingency measures and promoted related bills to provide the most practical support and assistance to the Hong Kong people. Relevant government agencies are reviewing related provisions in the Act Governing Relations with Hong Kong and Macau to effectively prevent the CCP from infiltrating Taiwan through the capital or personnel exchanges with Hong Kong and Macao and other measures.

July 7, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Feng-lian responded to a comment by the Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs on the National Security Council Kurt Campbell that the US does not support "Taiwan independence." She stated that "Taiwan independence" goes against the historical tide and is a dead end. The motherland must be unified and will be unified. Mainland China urges the US government to take concrete action to abide by the "one China" principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, explicitly oppose "Taiwan independence," and play a constructive role in peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The motherland must be unified and will be unified.

July 8, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Feng-lian responded to a MAC report on Hong Kong with comments on Hong Kong affairs and attacks against "one country, two systems" initiative. Zhu said that mainland China firmly supports the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government's legal actions to resolutely prevent Hong Kong from falling into DPP authorities’ clutches, sternly decimates "Taiwan independence" forces conspiring to foment chaos in Hong Kong and seek "independence," and continues to promote the unification of the motherland.

July 13, 2021
The MAC issued a statement on the fourth anniversary of the death of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and prominent Chinese pro-democracy activist Liu Xiao-bo, saying that the Beijing authorities have pressured and arrested civil rights activists and dissidents, limited the freedoms of speech and religion of the people of Xinjiang, Tibet, and other ethnic minorities, stifled the freedom and democracy of Hong Kong, and implemented other improper measures. The international community continues to sanction the CCP for these actions, which disproves the CCP’s so-called commitment to "put the people first." Cross-Strait relations are more likely to be based on mutual respect and understanding if the Beijing authorities tolerate dissidents with humility, accept diverse views, protect basic human rights, stop oppressing the people's pursuit of democracy, human rights, and freedom, release improperly detained human rights activists as soon as possible, and promptly launch democratic reforms.

July 14, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Feng-lian responded to statements in the “Defense of Japan (Annual White Paper 2021)” on the significance of stability in Taiwan saying that Japan has spoken and acted wrongly on Taiwan-related issues. This seriously breaches the spirit of the four China-Japan political documents, severely violates the "one China" principle, sends a seriously wrong message to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and has a gravely negative impact on peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Mainland China warns the DPP authorities and "Taiwan independence" separatists that clamoring to collude with foreign forces, denying unification by force, and seeking "independence" by force is a dead end.

July 15, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office Director Liu Jie-yi stated at the opening ceremony of the “United in a Dream: Cross-Strait Compatriots Exchange Seminar” that unification of the motherland is a must to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in the new era. "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and their activities are the source of tension and turbulence in the cross-Strait relations. Only by eradicating the scourge of "Taiwan independence" will the Taiwan Strait be peaceful and stable. Only then will Taiwan have a future. Only then will the well-being of Taiwan compatriots be safeguarded. Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait form an inseparable community of fate. Mainland China will continue to promote integration through exchanging resources, giving benefits, and fostering emotional connection. It will also continue to explore new paths for cross-Strait integration and development. Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait must deeply expose the nature of "Taiwan independence" forces in “scourging Taiwan,” firmly oppose the countercurrent of "Taiwan independence," and resolutely promote the unification of the motherland.

July 15, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Feng-lian responded to the landing of a US military transport aircraft in Taiwan saying that mainland China staunchly opposes any form of military contact between Taiwan and the US and will resolutely safeguard its sovereignty and security. Mainland China urged the US to abide by the stipulations in the three China-US joint communiqués on the Taiwan issue and stop all forms of provocation. The DPP authorities' collusion with foreign forces to seek "independence" and reject unification will lead the people of Taiwan to disaster. Their schemes will fail. Ministry of National Defense spokesman Wu Qian warned the US to not play with fire, stop risky provocations, stop sending the wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and avoid escalating tension and creating dangerous situation in the Taiwan Strait. He warned the DPP authorities not to misjudge the situation and collude with foreign forces for its “independence” provocation. This will only push Taiwan into a perilous situation.

July 16, 2021
The MAC announced the results of a public opinion survey in a press release. The survey showed that more than 80% of the Taiwan public oppose the CCP's constant and meaningless criticism during the COVID-19 pandemic that Taiwan is "using the pandemic to seek independence" (87.5%). Over 70% of the public support the government to strictly review entry permit applications from mainland China to safeguard national security after the COVID-19 pandemic abates and the border reopens (71.7%). More than 80% of the public oppose that the CCP and the Hong Kong government demanded Taiwanese personnel posted in Hong Kong to sign a "One China Commitment Letter" in order to obtain work visas (81.7%). The public also support the government to amend the Act Governing Relations with Hong Kong and Macau in response to the current situation in Hong Kong (72.7%), and provide the Hong Kong people with convenient and prompt services through the “Taiwan-Hong Kong Office for Exchanges and Services” (73.3%).

July 20, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Feng-lian responded to an announcement by the DPP authorities that Taiwan would establish a representative office in Lithuania saying that mainland China opposes the development of official relations between the diplomatic allies of mainland China and the Taiwan area. She urged Lithuania to uphold the “one-China” principle and not to send wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. The DPP and those "Taiwan independence" separatist forces staged the entire farce of setting up a representative office to seek "independence." But whatever they do will not change the fact that Taiwan is part of China, nor can it shake the international context of "one China."

July 20, 2021
The MAC responded to mainland China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Taiwan Affairs Office commenting on Taiwan's plans to establish a representative office in Lithuania and urging Lithuania to adhere to the "one China" principle. The MAC stated that the Republic of China (ROC) is a sovereign state. Taiwan has never been part of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and never will be. Developing bilateral cooperative relations with other countries is a basic right of Taiwan as a sovereign country and a member of the international community. It is also the common expectation of Taiwan's 23 million people. The CCP authorities have no right to intervene.

July 21, 2021
Presidential Office spokesman Xavier Chang conveyed the condolences and sympathies of President Tsai Ing-wen to the flood victims in Zhengzhou, Henan and their families. President Tsai also hoped that life could return to normal soon for the survivors.

July 22, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Feng-lian thanked relevant parties and people from all sectors in Taiwan for their sympathies and condolences expressed through various means over the disaster area in Henan, as well as for donations of money and supplies by some Taiwanese companies.

July 23, 2021
Standing Committee member of the Politburo Standing Committee and Chairman of the “Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference” Wang Yang presented a congratulatory message at the opening session of the Fourth Cross-Strait Youth Development Forum. He expressed support for more contact and frequent, in-depth exchanges among cross-Strait youth. The current situation across the Taiwan Strait remains complex and grim. However, time and circumstances are always on the side of national unification. Mainland China always has dominance in resolving the Taiwan issue. No one should underestimate our strong determination, firm will, and powerful capability to defend the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Taiwan Affairs Office Director Liu Jie-yi stated in a speech that collusion between "Taiwan Independence" forces and foreign powers brings chaos. It seriously harms the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation and the vital interests of Taiwan compatriots. Taiwan compatriots, especially young people, must clearly understand the general trend, distinguish right from wrong, and defeat the schemes of "Taiwan independence" forces that "harm Taiwan." They must oppose interference and harm of foreign forces, strengthen their aspirations, backbone, and confidence to be Chinese, and bravely devote themselves to the great cause of national unification and rejuvenation.

July 23, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Feng-lian responded to the gratitude expressed by the DPP authorities for the “Taiwan Partnership Act” concocted by some anti-China US Congress members and anti-China content related to Taiwan in the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022” passed by the US Senate Committee on Armed Services. She urged certain US Congress members to stop concocting negative motions related to Taiwan, stop their wrong statements and actions violating the "one China" principle and the stipulations in the three China-US joint communiqués, and stop sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces. "Taiwan independence" forces see their collusion with foreign forces as clutching at straws to protect "Taiwan independence." They will be resolutely crushed.

July 26, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Feng-lian responded to claims by the DPP authorities at the opening of the Tokyo Olympics that no challenge, however great, can stop Taiwan from becoming a member of the world. She stated that the participation of "Chinese Taipei" in the Olympic Games is based on the "one China" principle. The "Olympic Protocol" is a principle shared by international sports organizations and sports circles on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Those who play petty games at sporting events to seek "independence" are bound to fail. They will reap what they sow.

July 26, 2021
Mainland China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated during a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman in Tianjin that the US shall not infringe on China's national sovereignty, nor can it undermine the integrity of China’s territory. The Taiwan issue is a top priority. The two sides of the Taiwan Strait have not been unified, however, the basic fact that mainland China and Taiwan belong to one China and that Taiwan is part of China's territory has not changed and will never change. If "Taiwan independence" forces dare to provoke, mainland China has the right to impede by any means. Mainland China advises the US to abide by its promises and act prudently on the Taiwan issue.

July 28, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Feng-lian responded to the DPP authorities' gratitude to US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman for claiming that Taiwan is a "democratic country" during her visit to mainland China. Zhu urged the US to take concrete action to abide by the "one China" principle. There is only "one China" in the world and Taiwan is part of it. This is an ironclad fact that cannot be changed by any person or power. If the DPP authorities and "Taiwan independence" separatist forces dare to provoke, they will fail utterly.

July 29, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office Director Liu Jie-yi presented a speech at the opening ceremony of the 2021 Symposium on Cross-Strait Relations. He stated that Xi Jin-ping thoroughly elaborated and resolved the Taiwan issue in his important speech on July 1. The motherland must be unified and will be unified. This is a must to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in a new era. He emphasized the need to clearly recognize the general trend of history and actively promote the process of national rejuvenation and unification; to clearly recognize the nature and harm of "Taiwan independence" and resolutely crush "Taiwan independence" separatist schemes; to clearly recognize foreign forces’ plot to interfere, unite to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and clearly recognize the broad opportunities and outlook to work together and promote the peaceful and integrated development of cross-Straits relations.

July 29, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Feng-lian responded to the DPP authorities' expression of gratitude to US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin for his passive remarks related to Taiwan. She said that mainland China firmly opposes the development of any form of military contact between the US and China's Taiwan area. She urged the US to abide by the "one China" principle and stipulations in the three China-US joint communiqués, and to stop sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces. The DPP authorities’ attempt to "seek independence through reliance on the US" and "deny unification by force" will only bring disaster to the people of Taiwan. Regarding the fact that the DPP authorities engaged in a so called "strategic dialogue" with Japanese and US legislators to advocate shared democratic values and confront mainland China, Zhu stated that the DPP authorities’ collusion with foreign powers to bring about the farce of "Taiwan independence" again will only end in humiliation. She urged related countries to conscientiously abide by the "one China" principle and do not send wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces.

July 29, 2021
Mainland China’s Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian responded at a regular press conference to recent frequent collusions of the US and Taiwan and the People's Liberation Army’s steady increase in military actions across the Taiwan Strait. He stated that Taiwan is a sacred and inseparable part of China's territory, and "one China" principle is the political foundation of China-US relations. The words and actions of the US violated international laws and the basic principles of international relations, seriously interfered with China's domestic affairs, gravely harmed China's territorial sovereignty and security interests, and seriously threatened peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Mainland China firmly opposes this. It warns the US that those who play with fire will get burnt. The US "salami slicing" tactics on the Taiwan issue will only sever their own hands. The spokesperson warned the DPP authorities that "relying on the US to seek independence" will only lead Taiwan to a dead end, bringing disasters to both the people of Taiwan and the DPP itself.

July 30, 2021
The MAC responded to the return of the last official stationed at the TECO in Hong Kong saying that the office has always been pursuing its goal of "continuing to serve the people" and ensuring the rights and interests of the people of Taiwan and Hong Kong. The office operation continues normally without being affected. The government also has contingency plans for the worst situation possible faced by the office. It called on the related parties to stop unreasonable suppression, focus on the well-being of the people of Taiwan and Hong Kong, and work together to maintain the long-term benign interaction between Taiwan and Hong Kong.

August 3, 2021
Mainland China's Fujian Provincial Department of Transportation and Fujian Development and Reform Commission jointly announced the Implementation Plan for the Construction of the Pilot Zone for a Country with Superior Transportation in Fujian Province. The plan seeks to promote the integrated development of transportation links between Fujian and Taiwan. It proposes the implementation of the "Four New Links": enhancing connection of multiple transportation infrastructure and common industry standards to facilitate comprehensive cross-Strait connectivity; accelerating the construction of ports open to Taiwan; boosting research on land-link projects between Fujian and Taiwan; and strengthening maritime transport cooperation between Fujian and Taiwan and creating a Fujian-Taiwan express airway.

August 5, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang responded to the approval of an arms sale to Taiwan by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency. He stated that China resolutely opposes US weapon sales to Taiwan. He urged the US to strictly abide by the "one China” principle and the three China-US Joint Communiqués, especially the stipulations in the August 17 Communiqué regarding ceasing all arms sales to Taiwan. The US should refrain from sending wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, undermining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, or harming the well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The DPP authorities' attempt to "rely on the US to seek independence" and "resist unification by force" will only push the people of Taiwan to disasters.

August 10, 2021
The MAC responded to the announcement by mainland China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to recall its ambassador to Lithuania and demand that Lithuania recall its ambassador to China in response to Lithuania's "greenlighting the Taiwan authorities to set up a representative office under the name 'Taiwan'." The MAC stated that the Republic of China is a sovereign state, and Taiwan has never been part of the People's Republic of China. It is the fundamental right of a sovereign nation and member of the international community to develop bilateral relations and partnerships with other countries. The CCP authorities should not use diplomatic means to obstruct interaction or exchanges between other countries and Taiwan. The Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania carries great significance as it is Taiwan's first representative office in Europe under the name of Taiwan. Taiwan will continue to deepen friendly relations with democracy- and freedom-loving partners.

August 10, 2021
President Tsai Ing-wen was interviewed via videoconference by the Japanese monthly magazine Bungei Shunju. She stated that over the past few years, China has made clear its far-reaching ambitions in the Asia-Pacific region. This has introduced a great deal of uncertainty into the region's overall prospects for peace, stability, and security. Under these circumstances, when Japan, the US, and other countries discuss and express their concern about the Taiwan Strait, they are actually sending a message to China as it continues to expand its military activities. The more attention major advanced countries pay to Taiwan, and the stronger our cooperation with them, the more careful China will have to be in its policy decisions, including those about military activities. In addition, President Tsai emphasized that Taiwan's consistent position is to neither bow to pressure nor act rashly when it has support. Regional peace and prosperity are key considerations when Taiwan formulates security strategies, and Taiwan is willing to work to upgrade its self-defense capabilities.

August 10, 2021
A spokesperson for mainland China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on mainland China's decision to recall its ambassador to Lithuania. He said that the Lithuanian government's announcement of greenlighting the Taiwan authorities to set up a "representative office" under the name "Taiwan" is a blatant violation of the spirit of the communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations and constitutes serious harm to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Chinese government expressed firm opposition to this decision and decided to recall the Chinese Ambassador to Lithuania and asked the Lithuanian government to recall its ambassador to China. It also sternly warned the Taiwan authorities that "Taiwan independence" is a dead end; conspiracy to engage in separatist activities in the international arena will never succeed. Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang stated that the Taiwan authorities will reap what they sow if they collude with external forces in their "independence"-seeking provocations. There is only “one China” in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The "one China” principle is a widely-recognized basic norm of international relations and a universal consensus of the international community. The historical trend of cross-Strait reunification cannot be stopped by any persons or forces.

August 11, 2021
The MAC responded to criticism by mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office that President Tsai Ing-wen's interview with a Japanese media outlet is a "delusional attempt of colluding with external forces to plot ‘independence’ and make provocation." The MAC stated that President Tsai's remarks on the recent concerns from the international community about the situation in the Taiwan Strait is mainly a call for the CCP to be more cautious in its political and military decision-making on Taiwan. Beijing's aggressive moves have not only undermined cross-Strait relations but jeopardized the peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region; this is Taiwan's consistent position. Taiwan rejects the Taiwan Affairs Office's ill-intended remarks denigrating Taiwan and disrespectful for both the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan and concerns of the international community.

August 11, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang responded to a comment by James Moriarty, Chairman of American Institute in Taiwan, that uncertainty in the Taiwan Strait has risen and that the US must bolster its deterrence capability in the region. He stated that the Taiwan issue is China's internal affair, and no foreign interference will be allowed. The US made up excuses to sell arms to Taiwan in an attempt to maintain the so-called "deterrent force in the Taiwan Strait." This will only further jeopardize peace and stability and harm the interests and well-being of the people across the Taiwan Strait. China firmly opposes the US attempt to play the "Taiwan card." It urges the US to abide by the "one China” principle and the three China-US Joint Communiqués and refrain from sending wrong signals to "Taiwan Independence" forces.

August 11, 2021
Mainland China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Hua Chunying responded during a regular press conference to a statement by the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which said that Lithuania respects the "one China” principle but is determined to pursue mutually beneficial ties with Taiwan like many other countries in the European Union and the rest of the world. She stated that the meaning of the “one China” principle is not to be distorted. The Chinese people will never allow the act of paying lip service to the “one China” principle while flagrantly engaging in official interactions with the Taiwan authorities and even endorsing the "Taiwan independence" forces. China urged Lithuania again not to misjudge China's firm resolve and strong will to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Lithuania should honor its commitment to the “one China” principle.

August 13, 2021
Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang responded to the US and Taiwan holding the first working group meeting under a memorandum on coast guard cooperation. He said that China is resolutely opposed to the US and Taiwan signing any agreements or engaging in an activity with sovereignty implications. It urged the US to conscientiously abide by the "one China” principle and the three China-US Joint Communiqués on the Taiwan issue and refrain from sending wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. The DPP authorities will only push Taiwan to disasters if they collude with foreign powers to seek "independence" and resist unification.

August 17, 2021
Mainland China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Hua Chunying spoke at a regular press conference on the 39th anniversary of the August 17 Communiqué. She stated that there is only “one China” in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The US clearly pledged in the said communiqué that it does not seek to carry out a long-term policy of arms sales to Taiwan. The three China-US Joint Communiqué, i.e. the August 17 Communiqué, the Shanghai Communiqué, and the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations constitute the political foundation of China-US relations, and since their core essence is the “one China” principle, the US should strictly abide by this rule. No amount of US arms sales to Taiwan can change the powerful trend of cross-Strait relations, let alone stop the process of China's unification.

August 17, 2021
The MAC responded to claims by the Eastern Theater Command of mainland China's People's Liberation Army that the military exercises it conducted in the seas and airspace southwest and southeast of Taiwan serve as a solemn response to interference by external forces and provocation by the "Taiwan independence" forces. It stated that the belligerent actions by the Beijing authorities have violated Taiwan's national sovereignty and undermined the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. These actions have been met with serious concern and fierce opposition from the international community and the people of Taiwan; they have also threatened and disrupted peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The MAC reiterated its warning to the other side across the Taiwan Strait that problems cannot be solved through the exercise of power or military means. It urged mainland China to not repeatedly misjudge the situation; rather, mainland China should immediately stop military provocations targeting Taiwan.

August 20, 2021
Mainland China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Hua Chunying responded during a regular press conference to a statement by the US leader that the US would respond if any country were to invade or take action against its NATO allies, which applies to Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. She stated that there is indeed a fundamental difference between Taiwan and Afghanistan: Afghanistan is a sovereign state, while Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang responded to the DPP authorities expressing gratitude for the US leader's remarks on Taiwan by stating that the DPP authorities never cease their “independence”-seeking provocation, and they rely on external forces in a delusional attempt of gaining momentum for "Taiwan independence." This will only push the people of Taiwan into disasters. He warned the DPP authorities to immediately stop all forms of "independence"-seeking actions; otherwise, they are bound to face severe punishment.

August 27, 2021
Mainland China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian responded during a regular press conference to the "2+2" meeting held between Japan's Liberal Democratic Party and the DPP. He stated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. China is firmly opposed to all forms of official interactions between Taiwan and countries having diplomatic ties with China. The Taiwan issue is highly relevant to the political foundation of China-Japan relations. Japan bears historical responsibilities to the Chinese people on the Taiwan issue and should be especially prudent with its words and actions. China solemnly asks Japan to stop interfering in its internal affairs and refrain from sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces.

August 30, 2021
Mainland China’s Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Tan Kefei responded on the passage of US naval ships through the Taiwan Strait. He said that the US frequently conducts such provocative acts, which fully demonstrates that the US is the biggest culprit for undermining peace and stability and the primary source of security risks across the Taiwan Strait. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns this. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The Taiwan issue is purely China's internal affairs, and foreign interference will not be allowed. China demands that the US have a clear understanding of the situation, stop making provocations, and abide by the "one China” principle and the three China-US Joint Communiqués to avoid creating obstacles to China-US military relations or undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

September 2, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the DPP authorities' action of courting the US, Japan and other countries and holding a so-called security dialogue. Zhu stated that Taiwan is part of China. The Taiwan issue is China's internal affair, and foreign interference is not allowed. The DPP authorities constantly provoke to seek "independence" and harbor delusions of "denying unification by force" with the help of foreign forces. This is a serious threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. It will push Taiwanese people toward disasters and lead them to sign their own death warrants.

September 3, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the fact that President Tsai Ing-wen referred to mainland China as a "neighboring country" is in fact advocating the "two states" theory. Zhu stated that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China. The cross-Strait relations are not state-to-state relations. No person or power can change this fact. The DPP authorities put forward remarks on the "two states" theory and constantly provoked to seek "independence." This will only further undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and bring major disasters to Taiwan compatriots.

September 9, 2021
The MAC announced the results of a public opinion survey in a press release. The survey shows that more than 80% of the Taiwan public support the President's statement underscoring that Taiwan's only option is to become stronger, more united, and more determined to defend itself (83.9%). Nearly 90% of the public oppose the CCP's "one country, two systems" initiative (87.5%), diplomatic pressure against Taiwan (89.4%), and repeated use of diplomatic and economic measures to pressure the Lithuanian government for the establishment of Taiwan's representative office (88.8%). Nearly 90% of the public support the government's ongoing cooperation with the US and other like-minded countries to ensure the peaceful and stable status quo in the Taiwan Strait (88.6%). More than 80% of the people agree that the future of Taiwan and the development of cross-Strait relations must be decided by the 23.5 million people of Taiwan (85.1%).

September 15, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded in a regular press conference to an MAC public opinion survey showing that the majority of the public oppose mainland China's political and military pressure against Taiwan. She stated that the DPP authorities concoct poll data with no credibility at all to fool the society of Taiwan. The DPP authorities deliberately distort and slander the "one country, two systems" initiative with extremely sinister intentions, and they will not succeed. Regarding the US consideration to rename the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office to the Taiwan Representative Office, Zhu said that since the US has repeatedly stated that it has never intended to change its "one China" policy, it should abide by the "one China" principle and stipulations in the three China-US joint communiqués. The US should take concrete action to honor its pledges to China and stop sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces.

September 17, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the announcement that the US, the UK, and Australia would establish a trilateral security partnership emphasizing Taiwan's role in the Indo-Pacific, and the release of a joint statement by the US and Australia with Taiwan-related content. Zhu emphasized that these Taiwan-related remarks again exposed a long-term misunderstanding on the Taiwan issue and an insidious plot to "use Taiwan to contain China." Including China's Taiwan region in the so-called "Indo-Pacific Strategy" of the US, the UK, and Australia is a serious interference in China's internal affairs. It is a grave breach of the "one China" principle and the basic rules governing international relations, and will harm peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

September 18, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the DPP authorities' expression of gratitude to the European Parliament for passing the Report on “New EU-China Strategy.” She stated that the content of this report violates the "one China" principle universally recognized by the international community and the solemn commitments made by Europe on the Taiwan issue when it established diplomatic relations with mainland China. Mainland China firmly opposes this gross interference in its internal affairs. It urges the European Parliament and relevant committees to act and speak prudently on Taiwan-related issues and stop sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces.

September 18, 2021
Mainland China's Department of Supervision on Animal and Plant Quarantine of the General Administration of Customs announced that quarantined pests were detected several times this year on sugar apples and wax apples imported from Taiwan to mainland China. To prevent the risks of plant diseases, a decision was made in accordance with relevant laws, regulations, and standards in mainland China to suspend such imports from September 20, 2021.

September 19, 2021
The MAC responded to an announcement made by mainland China's General Administration of Customs saying that mainland China would suspend the imports of sugar apples and wax apples from Taiwan starting September 20. The MAC stated that mainland China suddenly announced the suspension of imports of pineapples, wax apples, and sugar apples from Taiwan on the pretext of quarantine issues, responded passively to the Council of Agriculture's reply, and has been unwilling to communicate with Taiwan under the cross-Strait agreement mechanism. Such actions have harmed Taiwan's farmers, agriculture, and cross-Strait relations. They are entirely inconsistent with WTO and international trade regulations and have undermined normal cross-Strait trade mechanisms. Agricultural quarantine is a professional and technical issue. Taiwan hopes that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait can communicate as soon as possible.

September 22, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to accusations by the DPP authorities that the suspension of sugar apple and wax apple imports from Taiwan to mainland China announced by the General Administration of Customs is a form of "political suppression" from mainland China. Zhu stated that since 2020, mainland China has repeatedly notified Taiwan of substandard fruit imports and reminded Taiwan to strengthen source control. However, no improvements have been made. The import suspension aims to protect agricultural production and ecological safety. It is scientific, reasonable, and completely legitimate. The General Administration of Customs has notified Taiwan in accordance with the “Cross-Strait Arrangement on Cooperation of Agricultural Product Quarantine and Inspection.” The DPP authorities have politicized this essential suspension measure for agricultural production, ecological safety, and the people's vital interests. They have used it as an opportunity to maliciously slander mainland China and incite cross-Strait opposition with complete ulterior motives.

September 23, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office Director Liu Jieyi presented a video speech at a conference commemorating the 110th anniversary of the 1911 Revolution held by sectors of Hong Kong. Liu stated that the process of unifying the motherland must be firmly advanced. The motherland must be unified and will be unified. The motif that “both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family” should be upheld to continue to deepen cross-Strait integration and development. We must safeguard the core interests of the country, and firmly crush the "Taiwan independence" separatism and foreign interference schemes.

September 23, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to the DPP authorities' bid to join the “Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)” and their false claims that mainland China had submitted its own application to join. Zhu stated that the "one China" principle is a necessary precondition for China's Taiwan region to participate in regional economic cooperation. We oppose the DPP authorities' actions to expand their so-called "international space" and seek "independence" on grounds of economy and trade. Mainland China hopes that related countries properly handle Taiwan-related issues and do not provide any conveniences or platforms for "Taiwan independence" actions.

September 23, 2021
The MAC Deputy Minister Lee Li-jane responded in a regular online press conference to mainland China's successive suspension of pineapple, sugar apple, and wax apple imports from Taiwan on the pretext of plant diseases and pests. Lee stated that Taiwan has requested technical consultations 9 times since mainland China banned the pineapple import on February 25. However, mainland China has not responded. Lee again called on the competent authorities in mainland China to promptly communicate with their counterparts in Taiwan through the existing agreements and established mechanisms to seek solutions and pragmatically resolve this issue.

September 23, 2021
The MAC issued a press release on the unreasonable interference and obstructive remarks and actions by the CCP's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Taiwan Affairs Office aiming at thwarting Taiwan's participation in the “Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).” The MAC stated that the Republic of China (ROC) is a sovereign state. Taiwan has never been part of the People's Republic of China (PRC). It is a member of the WTO, APEC, and other international economic and trade organizations. Taiwan has the inherent international prerogative to participate in negotiations of any regional economic cooperation or agreements, a prerogative which no country or individual has the right to interfere with or criticize. The CCP authorities have long been wielding their coercive "one China" principle in the international arena as a political framework to denigrate Taiwan and prevent Taiwan from participating in international economic organizations or engaging in agreements. Such behavior has simply reflected the fact that Beijing has been bullying the weak with its power and disregarding the existing rules of international organizations. It hurts the feelings of Taiwanese people, contributes nothing to the positive development of cross-Strait relations, and will not win the pervasive support from free democracies in the international community. The MAC called on the Beijing authorities to face up to the cross-Strait reality, duly carry out reforms and amend the regulations and institutions essential for engaging in regional economic integration, enhance fair trade practices, and promote reciprocal cooperation. Moreover, Beijing should discard its hostile and confrontational mindset, and renounce its unreasonable suppression of and irrational political moves against Taiwan. Only by making these changes can we facilitate the economic development and achieve mutual prosperity in the Asia-Pacific.

September 26, 2021
CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping called Eric Li-luan Chu to congratulate him on being elected as KMT Chairman. Chu stated that the CCP and KMT have positively interacted and promoted the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations on the common political ground of abiding by the "1992 Consensus" and opposing "Taiwan independence." These interactions have benefited compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait with outcomes apparent to all. He hopes that the two sides can be committed to a common political basis, work for the well-being of all compatriots, seek peace across the Taiwan Strait, unify the country, and rejuvenate the nation.

September 26, 2021
Member of the CCP Politburo Standing Committee and Chairman of the “Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference” Wang Yang spoke at the opening ceremony of the 40th Anniversary of All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots and the Fifth Taiwan Compatriots Association Forum. Wang stated that the current development of cross-Strait relations presents both opportunities and challenges. Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait must proceed from the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, be determined to uphold the overall national interests, pursue unification, support unification, defend unification, and resolutely oppose any form of "Taiwan independence" separatist actions. They must continue to work for the peaceful and integrated development of cross-Strait relations, actively participate in and promote exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and contribute to enhancing the well-being of compatriots and promoting a shared mindset.

September 28, 2021
Member of the CCP Politburo Standing Committee and Chairman of the “Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference” Wang Yang spoke at a reception to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Wang stated that resolving the Taiwan issue and realizing the complete unification of motherland are the common aspirations of all Chinese people. It is imperative to adhere to the "one China" principle and the "1992 Consensus," promote the peaceful and integrated development of cross-Strait relations, and implement and improve policies that benefit Taiwan and the people. Mainland China will firmly crush any "Taiwan independence" plots and resolutely oppose any interference from foreign forces.

September 29, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded in a regular press conference to the DPP authorities' claim that mainland China "broke international trade rules" by suspending sugar apple and wax apple imports from Taiwan. She also responded to the DPP authorities' threat to lodge a formal complaint with the WTO. Zhu stated that mainland China and Taiwan belong to "one China." Affairs between the two sides should be handled internally in accordance with the "one China" principle. The DPP authorities should earnestly take supervision responsibility, resolve related problems from the source, and stop playing politics. The spokesperson also responded on passage of a bill by the US House of Representatives proposing that Taiwan be invited to the 2022 US “Rim of the Pacific Exercise”, and that cooperation between the US National Guard and Taiwan be strengthened. Zhu stated that China firmly opposes the promotion and deliberation of Taiwan-related motions by the US Congress. Taiwan is part of China and the Taiwan issue is an internal affair of China. The US government and Congress have no right to interfere. Any attempt to rely on foreign forces to seek "independence" will ultimately fail.

September 30, 2021
Mainland China's Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian responded in a regular press conference to claims by Japan's Minister of Defense Nobuo Kishi, who stated that if anything happens to Taiwan, Japan cannot stay out of it. Wu said Taiwan's affairs are China's affairs and they have nothing to do with Japan. The fact that Japanese politicians use so-called "geographical proximity" as a pretext to intervene in Taiwan affairs is a gross interference in China's internal affairs. Mainland China will never allow any countries to intervene in the Taiwan issue by any means.

October 4, 2021
The MAC stated that the large-scale intrusions and exercises by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the sea and airspace around Taiwan over many successive days seriously undermined the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and escalated regional tension. The MAC demanded that Beijing authorities immediately cease these non-peaceful and irresponsible provocations. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s refusal to renounce the use of force against Taiwan and frequent engagement in military harassment in the sea and airspace around Taiwan seriously violated the principles of peace in international relations. Its heavy-handed intrusion and attempts at coercing Taiwan into accepting its wrong political views are the major cause of cross-Strait tension and a threat to regional security and order. This is completely unhelpful for unfolding benign cross-Strait interaction, and the people of Taiwan will never succumb to or compromise with these actions.

October 5, 2021
President Tsai Ing-wen penned an article in the bimonthly magazine Foreign Affairs entitled "Taiwan and the Fight for Democracy—A Force for Good in the Changing International Order." She stated that the CCP is replacing its commitment to a peaceful resolution with military expansion across the Taiwan Strait and in surrounding maritime areas. Amid almost daily intrusions by the PLA, Taiwan's position on cross-Strait relations remains constant: Taiwan will not bend to pressure, but nor will it turn adventurist, even when it accumulates support from the international community. Taiwan will continue to express our openness to dialogue with Beijing as long as this dialogue proceeds in a spirit of equality and without political preconditions. The government is also investing significant resources to deepen its understanding of the Beijing authorities, which will reduce the risks of misinterpretation and misjudgment, and facilitate more precise decision-making on our cross-Strait decisions.

October 9, 2021
CCP leader Xi Jinping emphasized in a speech at the commemoration of the 110th anniversary of the Revolution of 1911 that members of the CCP were supporters, collaborators, and successors of Dr. Sun Yat-sen's revolutionary cause and continue to realize and develop his great ambition. The Taiwan issue arises from the weakness and chaos of the nation. It will surely be resolved with the nation's rejuvenation. The CCP will adhere to the basic policy of "peaceful unification and one country, two systems" formula, abide by the "one China" principle and the "1992 Consensus," and promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. The Taiwan issue is purely mainland China's internal affairs and no foreign interference will be allowed. No one should underestimate the strong determination, firm will, and powerful ability of the Chinese people to defend the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

October 9, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang responded to MAC Minister Chiu Tai-san's claim that the "1992 Consensus" cannot be the key to initiate cross-Strait peace talks. Ma stated that the "1992 Consensus'' is the common political basis for cross-Strait negotiations, which embodies the spirit of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait setting aside differences, seeking common ground, and holding consultations on an equal footing based on the "one China" principle. Regarding the DPP authorities’ irresponsible remarks on the 110th anniversary of the Revolution of 1911 conference in mainland China, Ma stated that the DPP authorities' insisted on their "Taiwan independence" stand, colluded with foreign powers in crazy provocation of seeking "independence." These deeds have hurt the well-being of Taiwan compatriots and runs entirely counter to the wishes, integrity and spirit of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, making them ineligible and shameless to comment on Dr. Sun Yat-sen or the Revolution of 1911.

October 9, 2021
The MAC issued a news reference material in response to a speech by the CCP leader at a commemoration for the 110th anniversary of the Revolution of 1911 reiterating the CCP's unilateral historical discourse and claims on Taiwan. The MAC stated that the CCP has always held Dr. Sun Yat-sen in high repute, but denied the success of the Revolution of 1911 and the fact that the Republic of China (ROC) exists to highlight the legitimacy of its power succession. This is a unilateral distortion of historical facts. Today’s crux of cross-Strait relations is that Beijing is unwilling to face up to the ROC (Taiwan) and to renounce the use of force against Taiwan. The CCP's rigid Taiwan policy ignores present situation, fails to respond to international developments, and utterly disregards the concerns and opposition of the people of Taiwan. Only the 23 million people of Taiwan have the right to decide Taiwan's future and development. The MAC called on the Beijing authorities to renounce their intrusive and destructive measures of provocation and to more openly and seriously consider the keys to interaction, which are "peace, parity, democracy, and dialogue." This is the only approach conducive to benign development of cross-Strait relations.

October 10, 2021
President Tsai Ing-wen delivered an address entitled ”Forging a Stronger Consensus: Standing United to Protect Taiwan” at the “ROC’s 110th Double Tenth National Day Celebration.” The president stated that the G7, NATO, European Union, and the “Quadrilateral Security Dialogue between the US, Japan, India, and Australia (QUAD)” have highlighted the importance of peace and security in the Taiwan Strait, while expressing concern over whether mainland China may unilaterally undermine the status quo of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan is willing to do its part and contribute to the peaceful development of the region. Our position on cross-Strait relations remains the same: Neither our goodwill nor our commitments will change. We call for maintaining the status quo, and we will do our utmost to prevent the status quo from being unilaterally altered. Resolving cross-Strait differences requires the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to engage in dialogue on a basis of parity. We hope for an easing of cross-Strait relations. We will not act rashly, but there should be absolutely no illusions that the Taiwanese people will bow to pressure.

October 10, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang responded to a speech by the DPP leader on October 10. Ma stated that this "speech" seeks to hold public opinion in Taiwan hostage and collude with foreign powers in the name of so-called "consensus and unity" to provoke and seek "independence." Taiwan is part of China. Although the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have not yet been fully unified since 1949, the fact that both mainland China and Taiwan belong to "one China" has not changed and will never change. China's sovereignty and territory have never been divided and will never be allowed to be divided. Our fight to contain "Taiwan independence" is aimed at the perverse actions of the DPP authorities and the "Taiwan independence" forces. It is emphatically not aimed at Taiwan compatriots. The DPP authorities sow discord and mislead the public. They cannot deceive the people in the island and the international community.

October 11, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office Director Liu Jieyi gave a pep talk at the opening ceremony of the National Seminar for the Taiwan Work System and Party Building Work. Liu emphasized that Taiwan work is related to the overall undertaking of the party and the country, and has distinctly political attributes. Liu demands clear political language throughout the entire work process to strengthen all aspects of party political establishment in the Taiwan work system. The key is to increase the political capability of party cadres in the Taiwan work system. It is imperative to continuously enhance political judgment, comprehension, and execution to carry out Taiwan work well in the new era.

October 13, 2021
The MAC issued a news reference material in response to the criticism of China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) against President Tsai Ing-wen's statement that "the ROC and the People's Republic of China (PRC) should not be subordinate to each other." The TAO stated that the statement was touting the "two-state" theory and plotting independence. The MAC responded that the ROC currently exercises jurisdiction over Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, and has never been ruled by the PRC. The president's statement that "the two sides across the Taiwan Strait should not be subordinate to each other" is a solemn clarification of an objective cross-Strait fact and the current status quo of the Taiwan Strait. The other side of the Taiwan Strait puts forward the "one country, two systems" and the "1992 Consensus" under the "one China" principle and other unilateral political frameworks, which have already been firmly rejected by the people of Taiwan. President Tsai's address was a staunch response to the other side of the Taiwan Strait that the ROC does not condone violation of its national sovereignty and that the two sides across the Taiwan Strait are not subordinate to each other. Only through the principles of peace, parity, democracy, and dialogue, will the two sides develop normal relations characterized by benign interactions.

October 13, 2021
During a regular press conference, mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang responded to the DPP authorities' fearmongering about military threats. Ma stated that the PLA exercises are aimed at "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and interference by external forces. The objective is to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and maintain the shared interests of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The DPP authorities are talking black into white. On the matter of the successor to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, Ma stated that Dr. Sun was determined to achieve national unification and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The DPP authorities today wholeheartedly pursue "independence", collude with foreign powers, and sell out national interests. It is indisputable and obvious as to who is the real successor.

October 14, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office and Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) expressed deep condolences for the victims of the Taiwan Cheng Chung Cheng Building fire in Kaohsiung and sincere sympathies to the injured compatriots, related personnel, and family members of the victims.

October 14, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang responded to the DPP authorities' gratitude to US Under Secretary of State Fernandez and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink for having a meeting with the representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office. Ma urged the US government to take concrete action to abide by the "one China" principle and honor the serious commitments to mainland China on the Taiwan issue; to not engage in official contact with Taiwan in any form; not send any wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" forces; and not create new problems for the situation across the Taiwan Strait. He warned the DPP authorities that their attempts to collude with external forces in the provocation of seeking "independence" will only bring disaster to Taiwan.

October 14, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson commented on the DPP authorities' distorted remarks attacking United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758. The spokesperson said that the DPP authorities ignore the fact and legality that Taiwan is part of China, disregard the basic guidelines of international relations, and continue to distort and attack UNGA Resolution 2758. This is a blatant challenge to the "one China" principle upheld by the international community. It attempts to spread the fallacy that Taiwan is a "sovereign state" and weaves lies in the pursuit of "Taiwan independence," which is a dangerous provocation. From 2009 to 2016, China's Taiwan region was able to participate in the World Health Assembly (WHA) as an observer under the name of "Chinese Taipei." This matter was resolved through cross-Strait negotiations premised on the "one China" principle. Since 2016, the DPP authorities have stubbornly held to the separatist stance of "Taiwan independence" and refused to recognize the "1992 Consensus." This has unilaterally undermined the political basis for cross-Strait negotiations and led directly to the inability of China's Taiwan region to participate in the WHA, the responsibility rests entirely with the DPP authorities.

October 15, 2021
The MAC issued a news reference material stating that mainland Chinese spouses were among the victims of the Cheng Chung Cheng Building fire in Kaohsiung. It expressed deep grief for the unfortunate victims and hoped the deceased rest in peace. The MAC also expressed sincere gratitude to various parties in mainland China for their condolences and sympathies. Based on humanitarian considerations, the MAC coordinated with relevant departments to provide the mainland Chinese relatives of the victims with special assistance to enter Taiwan and handle subsequent funeral affairs arrangement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

October 19, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang responded to the DPP authorities' gratitude to the World Medical Association (WMA) for the resolution amendment through "support for Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) and related mechanisms as an observer." Ma stated that China's Taiwan region must adhere to the "one China" principle to participate in international organizations and their activities. The WHO's Taiwan-related arrangements have long been concluded, making the WMA's remarks wrong and invalid. The DPP authorities use various tricks to woo certain organizations in its quest for "independence" and create the illusion of an international "support for Taiwan." This is merely self-deception and their plot will not succeed.

October 21, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang responded to the DPP authorities' gratitude to the European Parliament for the passage of a report on Taiwan-related issues. Ma stated that the report seriously violates the "one China" principle and public pledges made by Europe on the Taiwan issue when it established diplomatic relations with mainland China. The report sends a gravely wrong message to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and mainland China expresses deep dissatisfaction and resolute opposition about this. The DPP authorities collude with parliamentarians of some countries to concoct various Taiwan-related motions. The attempt to lean on external forces in pursuit of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities will certainly fail.

October 22, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang responded to the DPP authorities' gratitude to the US for its "commitment to Taiwan." Ma stated that the US has repeatedly expressed that it has no intention to change its "one China" policy. Mainland China urges the US to take concrete actions to abide by the "one China" principle and stipulations in the three China-US joint communiqués, abide by its solemn commitments to mainland China on the Taiwan issue, and not send the wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces. On direction of the six-point constitutional reform set by the DPP's "Constitutional Reform Group," Ma stated that mainland China firmly opposes any form of "constitutional amendment to seek independence," including lowering the threshold to open a convenient door to and smuggling in the issue of seeking "independence." The DPP authorities’ manipulation of the "constitutional reform" issue has made their political calculations and sinister intentions abundantly clear.

October 27, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang responded at a regular press conference to allegations by US Department of State official Rick Waters that mainland China has misapplied UNGA Resolution 2758. Ma stated that in terms of politics, legislation and due process, UNGA Resolution 2758 has clearly and thoroughly resolved the issue of mainland China's representation in the United Nations (UN) as representation of the whole of China including Taiwan. Regarding US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's advocacy for Taiwan's meaningful participation in the UN and other organizations, Ma said that the US statement seriously violates relevant UN resolutions, seriously breaches the "one China" principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, and sends seriously wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" forces. He advised the DPP authorities to immediately give up the fantasy of "relying on the US to seek independence."

October 28, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang responded to Tsai Ing-wen's interview with US-based Cable News Network (CNN). Ma said that Tsai Ing-wen and the DPP authorities obstinately advance "Taiwan independence" and spread "Taiwan Independence" statements internationally on various occasions. They deceive international public opinion and advocate for "Taiwan independence" under the pretext of "democracy and freedom" and clamor to "deny unification by force" and "rely on the US to seek independence." Tsai's interview with CNN once again exposes her obdurate plot to seek "Taiwan independence."

October 28, 2021
President Tsai Ing-wen stated in an exclusive interview with US-based Cable News Network (CNN) that, facing China's military expansion in the Taiwan Strait and in the region, Taiwan will not bend to pressure, nor will it turn adventurist. But if our democracy and way of life are threatened, Taiwan will do whatever it takes to defend itself. We have the will to defend ourselves and we put in all sorts of efforts to defend ourselves, then support from other countries will come to our aid. That is a very important determining factor in deciding whether the PLA would succeed in its invasion. Ensuring Taiwan's security is a common interest of countries in the region. Taiwan has repeatedly expressed willingness to have a dialogue with mainland China to avoid misunderstanding, miscalculation and misjudgment in cross-Strait relations. We have made maintaining the status quo the core of our policy. We hope to have meaningful exchanges with mainland China and jointly discuss measures to reduce and resolve differences. Although the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have different political systems, we can still sit down and talk, properly handle issues, and peacefully coexist. This is the anticipation of the people of Taiwan, and also that of the people of mainland China and members of the region.

October 28, 2021
The MAC issued a press release with a solemn statement on and protest of remarks by mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office to unscrupulously distort the facts in President Tsai's exclusive interview with CNN and slander Taiwan's freedom and democracy. The MAC stated that Taiwan is resilient and will not yield. Taiwan has long resisted CCP threats and challenges, and will never accept the path set by Beijing. The CCP's "one China" syllogism attempts to repeatedly mislead the international community, downgrade Taiwan, and hamper our interaction with the world. Mainland China’s recent intensification of military intimidation is strongly opposed by the Taiwanese people and international community. The president's address firmly informs the other side of the Taiwan Strait that the sovereignty of Taiwan cannot be violated, our democratic society will not be undermined or divided, and the threats will not be carried out.

October 29, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang responded to a statement by Tsai Ing-wen during an interview with US-based Cable News Network (CNN) on her willingness to start a dialogue with mainland China. Ma stated that the root cause of current complexity and severity in the cross-Strait situation is the intensifying collusion of the DPP authorities and "Taiwan independence" separatist forces with foreign powers, their blatant touting of the "two-state" theory, and constant provocation of seeking "independence." On MAC Minister Chiu Tai-san's remarks on cross-Strait relations, Ma stated that there are only "two adherences" on the major issues of cross-Strait relations: The adherence to the "one China" principle and the "1992 Consensus," and the adherence to opposing "Taiwan independence." The so-called "four commitments" are an overt insistence on touting the "two-state” theory. The so-called "commitments will not change" is an unchanging pledge to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, which will inevitably lead to tension and turbulence in the Taiwan Strait.

October 29, 2021
MAC Minister Chiu Tai-san presented a speech at the opening ceremony of the “International Conference on Chinese Political, Economic and Social Dynamics under CCP” and made four appeals: He hopes that mainland China, in the pursuit of modernization and overall strength, will not only seek the economic “common prosperity”, but also “share power” with the people, promote democratic reforms, and progressively institutionalize the transfer of power, so that real power is vested in the people; that the Beijing authorities realize the four commitments made by President Tsai Ing-wen are the mainstream public opinion and bottom line of Taiwan. Given the fact that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait differ in institutions and values, they need to pragmatically deal with issues of mutual concern through dialogue on an equal footing; our commitments remain unchanged. We hope the other side of the Taiwan Strait will soon renounce hostility and embrace peace as the guiding principle so that together we can improve cross-Strait relations; both sides of the Taiwan Strait should promote healthy exchanges to build mutual understanding. Taiwan will take the initiative in proposing that government authorities on the two sides interact and communicate to safeguard the well-being of the people.

October 30, 2021
The MAC responded to a statement by the deputy director of mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office regarding the CCP's governance of Taiwan in the wake of unification. The MAC stated that the Beijing authorities fail to understand the current international situation and the status quo of cross-Strait relations. The CCP lacks a self-reflection on how to resolve its internal governance predicament. The CCP has wantonly imposed and wishfully depicted a development path for a post-unification Taiwan: a path that has already been categorically rejected by its 23 million people. The MAC called on the other side of the Taiwan Strait to acknowledge that only through dialogue and healthy, orderly exchanges will the two sides be able to resolve differences. Any attempts to bypass government authority or handle cross-Strait relations through united front tactics meant to divide Taiwan society will only prove to be self-defeating heterodoxy.

October 31, 2021
Mainland China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Rome that the Taiwan issue is the most sensitive issue between mainland China and the US. It will subvert and comprehensively harm China-US relations if improperly handled. The true status of the Taiwan issue is that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of China. Mainland China and Taiwan are parts of the same country. Any change to this status quo will seriously sabotage the stability of the Taiwan Strait. The crux of the current situation in the Taiwan Strait is the Taiwan authorities’ repeated attempts to break through the "one China" framework, and the US connivance and support of "Taiwan independence" forces are also to blame. We ask the US to pursue the authentic "one China" policy and fulfill its commitments to mainland China.

November 5, 2021
Spokesperson Zhu Fenglian of mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office commented on mainland China's development of punitive measures against "Taiwan independence" diehards. Zhu stated that Su Tseng-chang, Yu Shyi-kun, Joseph Wu, and a few other "Taiwan independence" diehards have seriously undermined cross-Strait relations and sabotaged peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Mainland China sanctions them in accordance with the law, prohibiting them and their family members from entering mainland China and Hong Kong special administrative regions. It also restricts their affiliate institutions to cooperate with relevant organizations and individuals in mainland China. It will never allow their affiliate businesses and sponsors to profit in mainland China. It will also take other necessary punitive measures effective for life. Regarding support for Taiwan's participation in the UN system from US officials, the spokesperson stated that Taiwan is part of China, not a sovereign state, and naturally cannot be a member of the UN or its subordinate specialized agencies. Statements by some US officials seriously violated the "one China" principle and stipulations in the three China-US joint communiqués. Zhu advised the DPP authorities give up "relying on the US to seek independence" and the illusion of "depending on foreign forces to seek independence."

November 5, 2021
The MAC released a news reference material in response to an announcement by mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office claiming that it would take punitive measures in accordance with law against Premier Su Tseng-chang and others in Taiwan. The MAC stated that recently the CCP has been intimidating Taiwan by force and hyping its so-called blacklists to undermine cross-Strait relations, attempting to create a chilling effect, crack down on dissidents, and force them to succumb to its political stand. Taiwan is a democratic society adhering to the rule of law and is not under the jurisdiction of the other side of the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan rejects intimidation and threats from the authoritarian regime. If the other side of the Taiwan Strait disregards the cross-Strait relations and attempts to undermine Taiwan's democracy and freedom, create antagonism, and fuel fear, our government will certainly take necessary countermeasures.

November 9, 2021
Spokesman for mainland China’s Ministry of National Defense Tan Kefei remarked on the visit to Taiwan by members of the US Congress saying that Taiwan is a sacred and inseparable part of mainland Chinese territory. The US action flagrantly interfere in mainland China's domestic affairs. Tan warned the US to immediately cease its provocations and all destructive actions that escalate tensions across the Taiwan Strait and to stop sending the wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces; no one should underestimate the strong determination, firm will, and powerful capability of mainland Chinese people to defend the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theater Command Shi Yi said that the Eastern Theater Command conducts joint combat readiness patrols in the Taiwan Strait and inspects and improves joint combat capability of various military branches in response to the serious erroneous words and actions by relevant countries on the Taiwan issue and actions of "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. These are essential measures to safeguard national sovereignty.

November 10, 2021
Spokesperson Zhu Fenglian of mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office commented during a regular press conference on a statement by the US Department of State and Department of Defense that the "one China" policy of the US differs from mainland China's "one China" principle. Zhu stated that the "one China" principle is the political foundation of China-US relations. The “Taiwan Relations Act” and "Six Assurances" violate the three China-US joint communiqués and flagrantly interfere in mainland China's domestic affairs. They are entirely false, illegal, and invalid. Mainland China has firmly opposed this from the start. Regarding the list of "Taiwan independence" diehards, Zhu said that the chief villains and their sponsors involved in organizing, planning, and carrying out acts of separation and sabotage of national unification, collusion with foreign forces to seek "Taiwan Independence," and seek "de jure Taiwan independence" by means of constitutional amendments will be severely punished in accordance with the law. These institutions and enterprises directly or indirectly related to "Taiwan independence" diehards and supporters of "independence" are restricted. It is conducive to promoting normal economic and trade exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. This will also help to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the majority of Taiwan compatriots.

November 10, 2021
The MAC solemnly protested the CCP's military exercises against Taiwan and further declaration of sanctions against Taiwanese people. It emphasized that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign country and a democratic and free society. It has the right to decide its future development and deepen cooperation with other countries. The malicious provocations of the CCP authorities are completely erroneous, illegal, and invalid. The people of Taiwan will never succumb or compromise. The MAC calls on the other side of the Taiwan Strait that only through clearly recognizing the current international situation and the reality about cross-Strait relations and reflecting on the predicaments and contradictions in its Taiwan policy can the two sides of the Taiwan Strait possibly resolve differences. Repeated misjudgment of the situation and making provocation will only backfire in the end.

November 11, 2021
The MAC issued a statement on the “sixth plenary session of the 19th CCP Central Committee” and Taiwan-related sections of the session communiqué. The MAC stated that the “sixth plenary session” was an internal political agenda and affair of the CCP. The communiqué covers the party's centennial historical discourse and promotes the CCP's institutional advantages and achievements. However, it does not reflect on past governance mistakes. The communiqué deliberately promotes and highlights the authority of the party leader, and is in fact setting the stage for the legitimacy of his continuation in power at the CCP’s “20th National Congress” next year. The CCP often uses significant internal meetings to reiterate the tired tune of "anti-independence and promotion of unification." However, Taiwan opposes this and does not fear the intimidation from the Beijing authorities. Taiwan is committed to safeguarding its national sovereignty, democracy, and freedom, and will never accept the political framework and the path the CCP has laid out for our future development.

November 11, 2021
The CCP convened the “sixth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee.” The committee approved the “Resolution of the CCP Central Committee on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century.” Taiwan-related sections of the meeting communiqué emphasized adhering to "one China" principle and the "1992 Consensus," resolutely opposing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, strongly opposing interference of foreign forces, and firmly seizing control and initiative in cross-Strait relations.

November 11, 2021
Spokesperson Zhu Fenglian of mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office commented on claims by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that the US pledges to ensure Taiwan's self-defense capability and that many countries will take action in response to unilateral undermining of the status quo by force. Zhu stated that the three China-US joint communiqués are the principles the US government must take practical actions to abide by. She urged the US to cease its erroneous words and actions on the Taiwan issue, stop sending the wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces, and not sabotage the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait. She warned the DPP authorities that any collusion with foreign forces to seek "independence" and provoke will fail in the end.

November 12, 2021
Spokesperson Zhu Fenglian of mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office commented on a statement by the MAC regarding the “sixth plenary session of the 19th CCP Central Committee.” Zhu stated that the great achievements and the CCP’s historical experience in the century-long struggle are powerful forces for thwarting "Taiwan independence" separatism and upholding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. They lay a solid foundation for promoting unification of the motherland and benefiting Taiwan compatriots. The Taiwan issue arises from the weakness and chaos of the nation. It will surely be resolved with the nation’s rejuvenation. The DPP authorities make irresponsible remarks and hold views which intentionally distort the facts, revealing their evil political nature of stirring up confrontation again, seeking "Taiwan independence," and being the enemies of the shared interests of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and the overall interests of the Chinese nation.

November 13, 2021
Mainland China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated during a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that history and reality have fully proven that "Taiwan independence" is the biggest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Any indulgence and support for "Taiwan independence" forces will undermine peace in the Taiwan Strait and will eventually suffer the consequences. If the US truly wants to maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait, it should clearly and firmly oppose any "Taiwan independence" actions. It should abide by the solemn commitments made in the three China-US joint communiqués, achieve the "one China" policy with actions, and stop sending the wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces.

November 15, 2021
During a regular press conference, Spokesperson Zhao Lijian of mainland China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on the Taiwan visit by the president of Honduras. Zhao stated that the "one-China" principle is a publically recognized guiding principle of international relations and a shared consensus. The DPP authorities in Taiwan are apt to create the false illusion of international support to bolster its "Taiwan independence" separatist acts. This cannot alter the iron-clad fact that Taiwan is part of China and can by no means thwart the invincible historical trend of China's unification.

November 16, 2021
During a videoconference with US President Joe Biden, CCP leader Xi Jinping emphasized that the situation in the Taiwan Strait faces new tensions due to the repeated attempts by the Taiwan authorities to "rely on the US to seek independence." Some people in the US intend to "use Taiwan to contain mainland China." The "one China" principle and the three China-US joint communiqués form the political foundation of China-US relations. Previous US administrations have made clear commitments on this. The real status-quo and core content of the Taiwan issue are that: there is only "one China" in the world and Taiwan is part of China. The government of the PRC is the sole legitimate government representing China. Full unification of China is a common wish of all Chinese people. Mainland China is patient and is willing to seek peaceful unification with the utmost sincerity and effort. However, mainland China will have to take decisive measures if “Taiwan independence” separatist forces provoke and push, or even cross mainland China's red line.

November 16, 2021
The CCP announced the “Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century.” The Taiwan-related content indicated that, the CCP fully controls the situation of resolving the Taiwan issue. The party sets forth the basic principle of "one country, two systems" and facilitates both sides across the Taiwan Strait to realize the "1992 Consensus," which embodies the "one-China" principle. It has advanced cross-Strait consultations and negotiations, realized comprehensive and direct “Three-Links” across the Taiwan Strait, and launched exchanges between political parties of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. The CCP enacted the Anti-Secession Law to resolutely deter "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, promote national unification, and thwart attempts to create "two Chinas," "one China, one Taiwan," or "Taiwan independence." Comrade Xi Jinping has put forward a series of significant ideas and major policy propositions on Taiwan work, thus developing the party's overall policy for resolving the Taiwan issue in the new era. Since 2016, the Taiwan authorities have stepped up "Taiwan independence" separatist activities which has seriously impacted the momentum of peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. Upholding the “one-China” principle and the “1992 Consensus,” we firmly oppose the "Taiwan independence" separatist acts and interference of foreign forces. We have maintained the control and initiative to steer cross-Strait relations. The time and momentum for completely unifying the motherland are always on our side.

November 16, 2021
The MAC issued a news release on the Taiwan-related propositions presented during the videoconference between the US and Chinese heads of state. The MAC stated that the CCP uses international interaction to conceal its efforts to undermine the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and create regional unease through authoritarian hegemony and coercing Taiwan. The international community has long intensely questioned and opposed the CCP's attempts to distort facts, mislead the public, and throw the blame on Taiwan. The Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent state and Taiwan has never been part of the People's Republic of China (PRC). "The ROC and the PRC should not be subordinate to each other." This is an objective fact and the status quo of the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan's present and future brook no intervention of mainland China. Taiwan will continue to deepen exchange and cooperation with friendly countries in the future. The MAC also calls on the CCP leader to respect the reality and the public opinion of Taiwanese people, promptly renounce its hostility, take peace as the supreme guiding principle, and concretely improve cross-Strait relations.

November 17, 2021
The MAC responded to a statement by the Taiwan Affairs Office that mainland China firmly opposes any actions to "amend the constitution to seek independence." The MAC stated that optimization of constitutional system is the norm in democratic countries. Different sectors of Taiwan have various views on the issue of constitutional amendment and consensus still needs to be built. The constitutional reform is implemented in accordance with rigorous procedures. This is Taiwan's internal affair. The CCP has no right to interfere. The CCP authorities' habitual and unreasonable comments about Taiwan's constitutional amendment issue only highlights their lack of common sense on how democracies function. The MAC called on the CCP to respect Taiwan's internal affairs and refrain from deliberately creating antagonism and unrest between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

November 17, 2021
Spokesperson Zhu Fenglian of mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office commented on the submission of the DPP version of the "constitutional reforms" drafted by the DPP caucus to Taiwan's legislature. Zhu stated that mainland China is closely watching relevant trends and firmly opposes any form of "constitutional reform to seek independence." The DPP, for reasons of personal gain, disregards the resolute opposition and stern warning of other parties and clings obstinately to its own course. It will suffer the consequences.

November 18, 2021
The MAC published a news release announcing the results of a public opinion survey. The survey showed that around 80% of the public support the cross-Strait policy positions presented by President Tsai Ing-wen in her National Day Address. Specifically, the public agree that the "four commitments" are the greatest common denominator of the people of Taiwan (77.1%). The public also support the government's position that the statement "the ROC and the PRC should not be subordinate to each other" depicts the objective reality and current cross-Strait status quo (77.7%). Nearly 80% of the public oppose the CCP's blacklisting of Taiwanese officials as so-called "Taiwan independence diehards," upon whom it pledged to impose sanction in accordance with the law (78.3%). About 70% of the public support the government's draft amendment meant to tighten restrictions on travel to mainland China by those who possess or have access to national-security-related core technologies to protect Taiwan's core technologies and prevent the CCP from poaching Taiwan's high-tech talent (70.6%).

November 18, 2021
The spokesperson for mainland China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on Lithuania's approval for the Taiwan authorities to set up the “Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania.” The spokesperson said that the government of Lithuania, in spite of mainland China's strong opposition and repeated dissuasion, is fabricating "one China, one Taiwan" in the world in blatant violation of the "one China" principle. Lithuania has abandoned the political commitments made in the communiqué on its establishment of diplomatic relations with mainland China. These egregious actions harm mainland China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and flagrantly interfere in mainland China's domestic affairs. The Chinese government strongly protests and staunchly opposes these actions and will adopt all necessary measures to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Lithuania is entirely responsible for the consequences. The spokesperson warned the Taiwan authorities that seeking "Taiwan independence" by soliciting foreign support is a totally misguided attempt that is doomed to fail.

November 22, 2021
Spokesperson Zhu Fenglian of mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office commented on the investigation of Taiwan Far Eastern Group by mainland Chinese law enforcement authorities, announcement by the Taiwan Affairs Office of a list of "Taiwan independence" diehards, and the enforcement of disciplinary measures against them and their sponsors in accordance with the law. Zhu said the mainland China welcomes and supports the investment and development by the vast majority of Taiwanese compatriots and companies in mainland China and will continue to protect the legitimate rights and interests of them in accordance with the law. However, mainland China will never allow people who support "Taiwan independence" and undermine cross-Strait relations to make a profit in mainland China and "bite the hand that feeds them." The majority of Taiwanese businesspeople and enterprises need to distinguish right from wrong, stand firm, draw a clear line with the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and take concrete action to maintain the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

November 23, 2021
The MAC responded on the sanctions imposed by the relevant authorities in mainland China against the Far Eastern Group and a statement by the Taiwan Affairs Office that mainland China will not allow supporters of “Taiwan independence” to "bite the hand that feeds them." The MAC stated that Taiwanese companies have made important contributions to the economic development and social employment in mainland China. However, the CCP intimidates and threatens Taiwanese companies on political grounds and has recently stepped-up the compiling of its "sponsors of Taiwan independence" list to unilaterally identify businesses, take disciplinary measures, create a chilling effect, and interfere with the operation of Taiwanese companies and Taiwan's democratic system. The government sternly condemns these actions. The MAC also stated that it will deliberate the CCP's malicious measures against Taiwan and other developments and take necessary countermeasures and preventive measures in a due course.

November 24, 2021
The MAC issued a press release responding to the incessant threatening remarks against Taiwan made by mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office. The MAC stated that the future of Taiwan should be determined by its 23 million people out of their free will— there is no space for the authorities of the CCP to interfere, nor is there any possibility for Taiwan to ever accept Beijing's false and arbitrary "one China” principle as a political endgame. The Beijing authorities have been repeatedly hyping the smearing campaign against Taiwanese individuals by labeling them as "pro-Taiwan independence or sponsors of Taiwan Independence " to force them to choose a side. This is aimed at dividing the Taiwan society and has harmed the rights of the people and operations of Taiwanese businesses. The CCP has even imposed sanctions on Taiwanese businesspeople to intimidate Taiwan and sabotage our democracy and elections. Such schemes are extremely vicious and will only fuel strong antipathy in the people of Taiwan. The MAC calls on the Beijing authorities to face up to the cross-Strait reality, consider pragmatic ways to handle cross-strait affairs, and carry out substantive democratic reforms; only these actions could lead cross-strait relations to greater harmony.

November 24, 2021
Spokesperson Zhu Fenglian of mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office commented at a regular press conference on what specific actions constitute "crossing the red line" on "Taiwan independence." Zhu stated that "Taiwan independence" is the biggest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the greatest obstacle to unification of the motherland. It also poses a grave hidden risk to national rejuvenation. We reserves the option to take all necessary actions against interference by external forces and the very small number of "Taiwan independence" separatist and their activities. The “Anti-Secession Law” sets a clear legal bottom line and red line by precisely stipulating various situations in which mainland China can employ non-peaceful means and other necessary measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

November 25, 2021
Director Liu Jieyi of mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office stated in a speech at the 24th Beijing-Taiwan Science and Technology Forum Summit that the DPP authorities are intensifying collusion with foreign powers to seek "independence." They attempt to deny the fact and status quo that Taiwan is an indivisible part of China. "Taiwan independence" separatists are the common enemies of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Only by eliminating the bane of "Taiwan independence" will there be peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and will Taiwan compatriots live and work in peace and contentment. Taiwan compatriots must be on higher alert, distinguish right from wrong, and sternly stop "Taiwan independence" separatist forces from undermining peaceful unification across the Taiwan Strait and resolutely draw the line with "Taiwan independence" separatists.

November 26, 2021
Spokesperson Zhu Fenglian of mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office responded to Tsai Ing-wen's statement on mainland China's investigation of Taiwan's Far Eastern Group and claims that mainland China should not continue to harm cross-Strait economic and trade and cross-Strait relations. Zhu stated that the facts and evidence of violations of the law by Taiwan Far East Group are clear. The law enforcement authorities have sufficient factual and legal basis to punish the company and are proceeding strictly according to due process of law. The DPP authorities are replaying an old script by politically manipulating this matter to incite confrontation and create hostility. They politicize everything and again show their ugly face of insidious intentions to seek "independence."

November 26, 2021
Director Liu Jieyi of mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office presented a speech on the theme "Advancing the Spirit of the Revolution of 1911 and Jointly Rejuvenating the Nation" at the Eighth Cross-Strait Think Tanks Academic Forum. Liu stated that unification of the motherland is a foregone fact, general trend, the path of righteousness, and the people's aspiration. The time and momentum for resolving the Taiwan issue are always on the side of advancing the motherland’s unification. "Taiwan independence" separatists are the common enemies of compatriots on both sides and a barrier to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation that must be removed. Mainland China will have to take decisive measures if “Taiwan independence” separatist forces provoke and push, or even cross mainland China's red line.

December 1, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang responded to a visit by a Baltic State parliamentary delegation to Taiwan. Ma stated that mainland China resolutely opposes its diplomatic allies to have any form of official exchanges with Taiwan under any pretext. Ma urged related countries to abide by the "one China" principle and handle the Taiwan issue cautiously and properly. The DPP authorities will not succeed in their vain attempts to collude with foreign forces and seek "independence."

December 2, 2021
The MAC issued a news reference material stating the government's consistent policy position on the “Straits Forum” held by the CCP: 1) “Straits Forum” related events are prohibited in Taiwan. The forum's nature as part of the CCP's united front work remains unchanged whether held in person, by video, or by recording; 2) Central government personnel are prohibited from participating and local governments in Taiwan are discouraged from attending the forum events. The government also urges civil groups to not participate lightly; 3) Engagement in "democratic consultations" that eliminate the sovereignty of the Republic of China (ROC) or promote the "one country, two systems model for Taiwan" is prohibited; and 4) When engaging in cross-Strait exchanges, the people of Taiwan should comply with the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area and related regulations to avoid breaking the law. The MAC called on all sectors in Taiwan to heed the perceptions of fellow citizens, have a clear understanding of the direction of public opinion, refrain from cooperating with the CCP's united front maneuvers against Taiwan, and jointly safeguard the nation's sovereignty, freedom, and democracy.

December 2, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang responded to the DPP authorities' gratitude to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for stating that "A Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency, and therefore an emergency for the Japan-US alliance." Ma stated that Abe ignored the facts, and was trying to challenge the result of World Anti-Fascist War and the international order established after the Second World War. The international community must be on high alert for rhetoric advocating containment of mainland China and instigation of "Taiwan independence." Mainland China warned the DPP authorities not to misjudge the situation. The attempts to rely on external forces to divide the country or the provocation of pursuing political self-interest will definitely fail.

December 6, 2021
Mainland China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian commented on Taiwan-related remarks by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Zhao stated the root cause of the tensions across the Taiwan Strait is that the "Taiwan independence" forces depend on foreign powers and “rely on the US to seek independence.” The crux of the escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait is that some Americans “use Taiwan to contain mainland China” by condoning and supporting the DPP authorities’ attempt to change the status quo. The US must understand that the historical and legal fact of “one-China” is not to be challenged, and the fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to “one China” is not to be changed.

December 7, 2021
Member of the CCP Politburo Standing Committee and Chairman of the “CPPCC” Wang Yang presented a congratulatory message at the Cross-Strait CEO Summit meeting. Wang said that cross-Strait trade has continued to grow rapidly despite the impact of numerous negative factors. The motherland has always been a popular investment and development site for Taiwanese businesspeople and companies. Businesses benefit from the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and are the builders of the grand endeavor of national unification. Wang expressed hope that the summit councils of both sides can unite the business communities across the Taiwan Strait and resolutely draw a clear line with the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces to advance the complete unification of the motherland and contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

December 7, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang responded to the MAC prohibiting related personnel in Taiwan from participating in the Straits Forum and threatening Taiwan compatriots to not take part in the forum. Ma stated that expanding exchanges and cooperation and deepening integrated development are the hope of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and the way to developing cross-Strait relations. He advised the DPP authorities to put their "green terror" to rest as the trend of the times is to strengthen cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation in all sectors. Regarding the Taiwanese shooting suspect who fled to Xiamen, the spokesperson stated that the Xiamen public security agencies decided to repatriate the suspect surnamed Huang to Taiwan to fight violence and crimes; safeguard the safety, life, and property of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait; and maintain the order of cross-Strait exchanges.

December 7, 2021
The MAC issued a news reference material on mainland China's comments made during a video conference at the Cross-Strait CEO Summit. During the summit, mainland China reiterated its political frameworks, including the "one China" principle and "1992 Consensus," and also expressed hope that the corporate sector would "resolutely draw a clear line between themselves and Taiwan independence forces." The MAC stated that mainland China has recently been intimidating Taiwanese businesspeople into taking a political stance. Mainland China has been intensifying the dissemination of a blacklist of arbitrarily identified "Taiwan independence sponsors" for imposition of punitive measures to interfere with the business operations of Taiwanese companies. These tactics have long caused profound distaste in the people of Taiwan. Taiwan society is characterized by democracy and the rule-of-law and Taiwan is not under the jurisdiction of mainland China. Taiwan will never accept the political framework or future development path unilaterally laid out by the CCP. The government again urged the CCP to refrain from making political maneuvers, intimidating or threatening Taiwanese businesspeople, or further disrupting cross-Strait economic and trade exchanges.

December 8, 2021
The MAC issued a news reference material affirming and appreciating the successful repatriation of Xindian murder suspect Huang to Taiwan. The MAC stated that, in the past, cross-Strait public security agencies have joined forces against crime to effectively curb criminals' arrogance, earning affirmation by the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The MAC hoped that, in the future, the two sides can continue to promote cooperation in combating crime under the Cross-Strait Joint Crime-Fighting and Mutual Assistance Agreement to protect the rights, interests, and welfare of the people and serve justice.

December 8, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang responded to the MAC's claim that mainland China has created the barriers to normal cross-Strait exchanges and the MAC's distortion of measures to discipline "Taiwan independence" diehards as interference with the operations of Taiwanese companies. Ma stated that "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and their activities form the biggest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Mainland China strikes "Taiwan independence" diehards, their affiliates, and their sponsors in accordance with the law to curb "Taiwan independence." This is conducive to facilitating normal cross-Strait economic and trade exchanges and to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of Taiwan compatriots. The principle that mainland China consistently upholds --”two sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family”-- will not change. We welcome and support Taiwanese compatriots and companies to invest and develop in mainland China. We also continue to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Taiwanese compatriots and companies in accordance with the law.

December 8, 2021
During a regular press conference, mainland China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin responded to a statement by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan saying that the US will take every action to make sure that Taiwan is not unified by force. Wang stated that the expression of position by the US once again proved that the statement of “Indo-Pacific strategy” not targeting any third party is nothing but a disguise. The US has continued its erroneous words and actions on Taiwan-related issues and emboldened the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. Mainland China is firmly opposed to this. Mainland China's unification is an unstoppable historical trend that will not change because of anyone, any force or any country.

December 10, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang commented on the delegates of the DPP authorities participating in the US-hosted “Leaders' Summit for Democracy” and claiming that the US supports Taiwan's democracy. Ma stated that the “Summit for Democracy” is a political maneuver by the US to protect its own interests and hegemony. The DPP authorities manipulate populism and suppress and persecute dissidents. Their participation in the so-called "Summit for Democracy" exposes their true nature of seeking "independence" through fake "democracy." Regarding the resumption of ambassadorial diplomatic relations between mainland China and Nicaragua, he stated that Taiwan is part of China. The "one China" principle is the basic norm governing international relations and a universal consensus of the international community. History and reality again show that "Taiwan independence" is a dead end. No person or power can stop the complete unification of the motherland and the grand historical trend of the great rejuvenation of Chinese nation.

December 10, 2021
The MAC issued a press release on the announcement by mainland China regarding establishing diplomatic relations with Nicaragua. The MAC strongly condemned the CCP authorities for their vicious poaching of Taiwan's diplomatic ally with financial interests and brutal suppression of Taiwan's international space. The MAC emphasized that the Beijing authorities are the saboteurs for destabilizing cross-Strait relations and regional security. They must stop their provocations and ill-advised actions immediately. The ROC is a sovereign state and Taiwan has never been part of the People's Republic of China. The people of Taiwan will only unite more strongly and will never accept Beijing's ill-intended political frameworks. In the face of persistent and malicious provocations by the other side across the Taiwan Strait, the government will firmly defend our national sovereignty, dignity, democracy, and freedom. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release emphasizing that the "one China" principle internationally advocated by the mainland Chinese government is inconsistent with the facts and is not accepted by the people of Taiwan. The people of Taiwan will not bow to China's pressure. They will only more firmly defend the status quo in which the ROC and PRC are not subordinate to each other and protect their free and democratic way of life.

December 11, 2021
The MAC issued a news reference material stating its position on comments made at the “Straits Forum” regarding "opposing independence and promoting unification" by Wang Yang, Chairman of mainland China's “Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC)” : 1) The Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign country. The two sides of the Taiwan Strait should not be subordinate to each other. The authoritarian regime of the CCP has no right to comment on or participate in the future or development of the democratic society of Taiwan; 2) The CCP’s unjustified and rigid Taiwan policy has mired itself in a vicious cycle of contradictory predicaments; in response, Taiwan and the international community have called on the CCP to exercise self-restraint and have taken preemptive measures accordingly; 3) Many of the CCP's negative moves against Taiwan in recent times have aroused antipathy across party lines in Taiwan. They have also demonstrated that the “Straits Forum” is indeed a platform set up for the CCP's unilateral united front purposes; the MAC's consistent measures on reminding people to abide by related regulations when conducting cross-Strait exchanges have proved effective in mitigating the united front operations by the other side across the Taiwan Strait.

December 11, 2021
Member of the CCP Politburo Standing Committee and Chairman of the “CPPCC” Wang Yang presented a speech at the 13th Straits Forum. Wang stated that the Straits Forum is a "bridge that connects hearts" and a "road that benefits the people" for compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The active participation of compatriots across the Taiwan Strait fully shows that the trend of cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation is unstoppable. Taiwan is jointly possessed by all Chinese people. The "one China" principle is a universal consensus of the international community and the basic norm governing international relations. Maintaining national unity is the most cherished national integrity of the Chinese people. The Chinese people are peace-loving, but the will to defend our home and country and oppose division is rock-solid. We are willing to seek prospects of peaceful unification with our utmost sincerity and effort but will never leave any space for "Taiwan independence" separatist activities.

December 15, 2021
During a regular press conference, mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang responded to remarks by the DPP authorities regarding the "four-question referendum." Ma stated that the DPP authorities are conducting political manipulations for personal interests. On the one hand, they collude with pro-Taiwan politicians in the US, Japan, and other countries to threaten the people of Taiwan. On the other hand, they intentionally "play victim to blackmail" mainland China and take the chance to foster "anti-China" populism as a cover for the fact that they damaged the interests of the Taiwanese people and that they are willing to do whatever foreign powers demand. Mainland China resolutely opposes "Taiwan independence" and adheres to the "one China" principle and the "1992 Consensus." Mainland China is constantly removing interference to maintain the shared interests of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and also hopes that Taiwan compatriots will work with it to kick away this stumbling block of "Taiwan independence."

December 15, 2021
The MAC issued a news reference material responding to the liquidation of Hong Kong's Next Media. The MAC stated that since the enactment of the “Hong Kong National Security Law,” related parties have continued to infringe on the freedoms and rights of the Hong Kong people in areas of the media, speech, and the press in disregard of the people's rights. Their actions have raised serious concerns in the international community and are rejected by public opinion both at home and abroad. The government continues to closely watch developments and proactively safeguard the personal information and privacy of Taiwanese nationals. If related parties use this opportunity in a backdoor attempt to violate freedom and human rights in Taiwan, related agencies will take necessary actions in accordance with the law to protect the rights of the people and the public interest.

December 15, 2021
The MAC responded to ten questions proposed by mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang regarding Taiwan's democracy. The MAC stated that Taiwan's progress and development in democracy, human rights and the rule of law have been recognized and praised by the international community. The autocratic regime of the CCP has deviated from democracy and human rights and should self-reflect, promptly carry out real democratic reforms, and cease its persecution of human rights, suppression of freedom, and other abuses in internal governance. Only by doing so can the CCP meet the expectations of the international community and its own people. The government will never waver from its firm determination to safeguard national sovereignty and Taiwan's democracy. The MAC advised the Beijing authorities to promptly abandon its erroneous thinking and actions of heavy-handedness, aggression and attempts to divide, and infiltrate Taiwan.

December 16, 2021
MAC spokesperson Chiu Chui-Cheng responded during a regular press conference to claims by mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang that the DPP authorities "politically manipulated" the referendum. Chiu stated that, in accordance with the principle of Souveraineté populaire (the sovereignty lies with the people) under the ROC Constitution, referendums are the due political right of citizens, the direct expression of public opinion, and the norm for people to express views in a democracy. The other side of the Taiwan Strait should learn to understand that this is an internal affair of democratic Taiwan and concerns the democratic process of public choice. There is no place for the CCP regime to interfere with or criticize on this matter.

December 16, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office Director Liu Jieyi presented a speech at the 7th Forum on Chinese Culture entitled "Promoting Chinese Civilization, Building a Strong Nation of Rich Culture." Liu stated that compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait must strengthen cultural self-confidence and resolutely oppose "de-sinicization" and other "Taiwan independence" plots in every form. The two sides of the Taiwan Strait should further intensify cultural exchanges and cooperation and jointly promote the creative transformation and innovative development of the outstanding Chinese culture. They should also join hands to advance the integrity, innovation, prosperity, and development of Chinese culture and to forge the new glory of Chinese culture in the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and complete unification of the motherland.

December 16, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office Director Liu Jieyi published a congratulatory message on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) in Relations Across Taiwan Straits magazine. Liu stated that, under the leadership of the CCP Central Committee with Xi Jinping at the core, mainland China promoted and achieved the first meeting, direct dialogue, and communication between the cross-Strait leaders. Upholding the conviction that ” two sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family”, mainland China promoted the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, the "31 measures," "26 measures," “11 measures,” "22 measures on agriculture and forestry," and other policy initiatives which benefit Taiwan compatriots. The "cross-Strait community with a shared future" is becoming an increasingly vivid reality. Liu expressed hope that the ARATS will fully realize the party's overall policy for resolving the Taiwan issue in the new era and the policy deployment for Taiwan work of the CCP Central Committee, adhere to the "one China" principle and the "1992 Consensus," and resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" separatists.

December 17, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang commented on the statement by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a visit to Indonesia that the US is determined to ensure "peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait." Ma stated that some people in the US, seeking to "use Taiwan to contain mainland China," blame tensions in the Taiwan Strait on mainland China and even conflate the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea issues in their statements to jointly hinder China's unification and national rejuvenation. The spokesperson also commented on the US Senate and House of Representatives' passage of the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022,” invitation for Taiwan to participate in the “Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC),” and promotion of cooperation between the US National Guard and Taiwan. Ma stated that mainland China demands that the US Congress stop supporting and encouraging "Taiwan independence" forces, and stop further damaging the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait. Mainland China urges the US government and relevant departments to cease all forms of military contact with China's Taiwan area. The DPP authorities collude with foreign powers to "reject unification by force." If they make provocation, force our hands, or even cross the red line, we will have to take decisive measures.

December 20, 2021
The MAC commented on the completion of the Hong Kong Legislative Council general election. The MAC stated that the voter turnout in the seventh Legislative Council election hit a record low since Hong Kong's handover to mainland China in 1997. This shows that Hong Kong voters are not buying the manipulated election under the intensely implemented principle of "patriots ruling Hong Kong." The international community also generally believes that due to pre-election political censorship forced by the CCP authorities and the lack of competition, the election was reduced to a "small-circle election." Although there are formal elections under the CCP's so-called "one country, two systems" formula, the people's right of political participation is in fact utterly broken. Hong Kong’s so-called democracy and freedom have been distorted and destroyed, making the legitimacy of elections a mere formality.

December 21, 2021
CCP leader Xi Jinping issued a congratulatory message on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Xiamen Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Xi stated that the Xiamen SEZ plays a unique role in promoting China's unification. He hopes to promote cross-Strait integration and development, and make new and greater contributions to comprehensively building a modernized socialist country and realizing the second centenary goals.

December 21, 2021
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang responded to remarks by the MAC regarding the 7th Legislative Council election in Hong Kong. Ma stated that the 7th Legislative Council election of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) went smoothly. The election fully reflected the principle of "patriots ruling Hong Kong" and exhibited the powerful vitality of "one country, two systems." The DPP authorities' distortion and slander again show their vile political nature of stirring up turbulence in Hong Kong and seeking "independence." They made vicious attacks because the success of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong has revealed their true face long hid from the people of Taiwan under the guise of democracy. They bring their own ruin by smearing the HKSAR for personal gain.

December 28, 2021
The MAC responded to mainland China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Zhao Lijian’s claim saying that Nicaragua handed ROC assets over to mainland China in compliance with the "one China" principle. The MAC stated that the Beijing authorities disregarded the international law and illegally confiscated assets sold by Taiwan to the local Catholic Church in Nicaragua. The government strongly protested this move, which seriously undermines cross-Strait relations. The ROC is a sovereign and independent country. It is not subordinate to the CCP's undemocratic authoritarian regime. The government is pursuing necessary international litigation over the illegal confiscation of ROC assets by the other side of the Taiwan Strait and will fight for the rights and interests of the ROC. The government also appealed to the international community to severely condemn and sanction Nicaragua and the Beijing authorities.

December 29, 2021
The MAC responded to the arrest of six employees of Stand News by the Hong Kong National Security Office. The MAC stated that since the CCP perversely enacted the “Hong Kong National Security Law,” human rights and freedom have been worsening in Hong Kong and those in power have turned a deaf ear to the international outcry. The arrest of the Stand News employees exposes the lie of "one country, two systems" fabricated by the CCP. The government condemns the unscrupulous persecution of human rights and freedoms. It also calls on the related parties to realize and correct their errors and stop serving as accomplices.

December 29, 2021
During a regular press conference, mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang commented on cross-Strait relations in 2021 and 2022. Ma stated that cross-Strait relations were complicated and severe in 2021. Mainland China seized the initiative to overcome difficulties and steadily advance cross-Strait relations. In 2022, we will implement the party's overall strategy for resolving the Taiwan issue in the new era and the policy deployment for Taiwan work of the CCP Central Committee. We will act more powerfully to smash "Taiwan independence" separatist schemes and continue to promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. Regarding the requirement under the “Measures for the Administration of Performance Brokers“ to support the PRC Constitution and maintain good political integrity, Ma stated that Taiwan compatriots in this business in mainland China can voluntarily apply for the exam and enjoy equal treatment. This reflects our sincere wish to share development opportunities in mainland China with Taiwan compatriots. If the DPP authorities want to conduct political maneuver and make things difficult for Taiwan compatriots who seek development in mainland China because they uphold the PRC Constitution or follow relevant regulations, the responsibility rests entirely with them.

December 30, 2021
MAC spokesperson Chiu Chui-Cheng responded during a regular press conference to comments by mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office saying that the situation in the Taiwan Strait would grow more complex and severe next year. Chiu stated that the international community and Taiwanese public opinion have expressed serious concerns and doubts over the CCP's aggressive expansion abroad and diplomatic pressure and military threats against Taiwan. In the face of CCP threats against Taiwan, the government has maintained a consistent cross-Strait policy. It will not act provocatively or rashly and is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region. It will also firmly defend national sovereignty, democracy, and freedom. The government calls on the Beijing authorities to pragmatically face President Tsai's proposal of "peace, parity, democracy, and dialogue" as the key to cross-Strait interactions and face up to the firm bottom line of the "four commitments" of Taiwan.

December 30, 2021
Mainland China's Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi commented during interviews by Xinhua News Agency and China Media Group on the resumption of diplomatic relations between Nicaragua and Mainland China. Wang stated that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China. This is an undeniable historical and legal fact. The two sides of the Taiwan Strait are in political antagonism due to the past civil war. However, China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity have never been divided and will never be divided. This is the true status quo of the Taiwan issue. It is also the substantive connotation of the "1992 Consensus" embodying the "one China" principle and forms the foundation for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. The DPP authorities' insistence on undermining this foundation is the root cause of tensions in the Taiwan Strait. The US violates its pledges made when it established diplomatic relations with China by conspiring to encourage Taiwan independence forces and distorting and hollowing out the "one China" principle. This has brought Taiwan to a dangerous situation and will also bring unbearable costs to the US.

December 30, 2021
During a regular press conference, Mainland China’s Ministry of National Defense spokesman Tan Kefei responded to the DPP authorities' frequent speculation on a so-called "threat posed by mainland China." Tan stated that the root causes of rising cross-Strait tensions are the “independence”-seeking provocations of the DPP authorities and the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and plots by external forces to "use Taiwan to contain China." The number of sorties dispatched by the PLA will be more, not less, than the DPP authorities speculated. It is the PLA’s duty to defend national sovereignty and security and curb "Taiwan independence" separatist activities.

December 31, 2021
CCP leader Xi Jinping stated at the “CPPCC” New Year Reception that the party will adhere to the "one China" principle and "1992 Consensus," strengthen the anti-“independence” and pro-unification trend, strongly respond to external challenges, and promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. In a 2022 New Year message broadcasted on China Media Group and on the Internet, Xi said that achieving complete national unification is the common aspiration of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

December 31, 2021
The MAC responded to the claim by CCP leader Xi Jinping in his New Year address that unification is the common wish of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The MAC stated that the Beijing authorities, in the face of the current global situation and their internal and external challenges, should prioritize issues of improving the people's livelihood, economy, human rights, and freedom; respond to the demands by the international community of abiding by international rules and order; and adjust the thinking and measures of coercing and intimidating Taiwan. The MAC called on the leader of mainland China to advance cross-Strait interactions under "peace, parity, democracy, and dialogue," and to respect that the joint acknowledgment of the "four commitments" is the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan and an unwavering bottom line.