On October 16, in a press briefing held in Beijing, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, responded to remarks made by Luo Wengjia, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of Taiwan’s Straits Exchange Foundation. Luo suggested that future cross-strait negotiations could take place in Matsu and expressed a welcome for the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits to discuss the so-called “26 Consensus” at the “Nangan 26 Outpost.” Chen emphasized that the “1992 Consensus” represents a clear and straightforward principle, asserting there is no need for any “26 Consensus.”
During the press conference, Chen urged a review of the historic achievements resulting from cross-strait discussions, highlighting the importance of benefiting both sides and promoting peaceful development. He stressed the need to find the right answers instead of starting anew.
Meanwhile, Qiu Chui-zhen, Chairperson of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, recently stated that the core issue in cross-strait relations lies in the mainland’s refusal to acknowledge the existence of the “Republic of China” and its unchanged aim of “annexing Taiwan.” He asserted that Taiwan would not yield to “China’s military threats.” In response, Chen noted that the root cause of the current tensions is the DPP administration’s stubborn insistence on a “Taiwan independence” stance, promoting a “new two-nation theory” that incites hostility and provocation, ultimately jeopardizing the safety of the Taiwanese people.
Chen pointed out that reunification is an inevitable trend, a matter of righteousness, and aligned with the interests and future of the Taiwanese people. He firmly asserted that these nationalistic sentiments cannot be vilified, obstructed, or resisted. He accused the DPP government of attempting to leverage the “mainland threat” narrative to pursue “independence” under the guise of democracy and freedom, and warned it was trying to drag the people of Taiwan into a “Taiwan independence” conflict.
He further clarified that while they are committed to achieving peaceful reunification, they will not renounce the option of using force if necessary. This stance is primarily directed at external forces and a minority of separatist elements, not the broader Taiwanese populace. He hopes the Taiwanese people will recognize the true nature and dangers of the DPP’s “Taiwan independence” agenda and stand firmly against separatism and foreign interference to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou recently stated in a speech that Taiwan should not become a pawn. He emphasized that both sides belong to one China and should be the ones to address cross-strait issues without foreign interference. In response, Chen reiterated that people across the strait share a common ancestry and cultural heritage, and the historical and legal basis for their unity remains unchanged. He insisted that internal matters should be resolved by the Chinese people themselves without outside intervention.
Chen concluded by calling on people across the Taiwan Strait to unite against “Taiwan independence” and foreign interference, advocating for dialogue based on the one-China principle to foster wisdom and seek a resolution to political differences. He expressed a vision for lasting peace across the strait and the ultimate achievement of national reunification, allowing future generations to thrive in a harmonious, prosperous, and dignified homeland.
