Mainland says separatism undermines cross-Strait peace and stability

Source: chinadaily.com.cnUpdated: 2026-10-15

A Chinese mainland spokesman on Wednesday rejected remarks by former Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen on cross-Strait relations, saying that the pursuit of "Taiwan independence" is the root cause of tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

Responding to Tsai's recent remarks during a visit to the United States, Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said the status quo across the Taiwan Strait is that "there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China".

Tsai said Taiwan residents have reached a consensus on maintaining the cross-Strait status quo and avoiding unnecessary provocations, adding that Taiwan would safeguard its "democracy and security".

Chen accused the Democratic Progressive Party authorities of clinging to a separatist position in pursuit of "Taiwan independence" while using the banner of "democracy" and "peace" to collude with external forces, pursue separatism and provoke confrontation, thereby undermining peace and stability across the Strait.

"'Taiwan independence' is incompatible with peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," Chen said, adding that only by abandoning separatist positions and recognizing the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus could peace across the Strait and stability in Taiwan be ensured.

A recent Reuters report cited US officials as saying that the possibility of the Chinese mainland taking military action against Taiwan before 2028 had decreased. In response, the DPP authorities said the mainland's alleged intention to "use force" against Taiwan had never changed and would not be abandoned regardless of which party governed the island.

Commenting on the remarks, Chen said the DPP authorities' adherence to a separatist position in pursuit of "Taiwan independence" remained the root cause of tensions and instability across the Strait.

"China must achieve reunification, and it is an inevitable outcome. This is a historical trend that no individual or force can stop," Chen said.