China News Service, Beijing, September 30 (Reporter Zhang Yangbin) At a regular press conference held by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council in Beijing on September 30, spokesperson Zhang Han answered reporters’ questions on hot topics such as the Taiwan-related content of the China-US presidents’ meeting and recent cross-strait exchange activities.
Public opinion on both sides of the Taiwan Strait has recently paid close attention to the Taiwan-related content in the meeting between the heads of state of China and the United States. Zhang Han said that the Taiwan issue is the most important issue in Sino-US relations. "Taiwan independence" is incompatible with peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the greatest common denominator between China and the United States, and it is also the due meaning of a constructive strategic and stable relationship between China and the United States.
A recent poll released by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, an American think tank, showed that 57% of Americans support friendly cooperation with China. The proportion of Americans who support the US military's protection of Taiwan after cross-strait conflicts (38%) has dropped by 14 percentage points from five years ago. Zhang Han pointed out at the inquiry that maintaining a constructive strategic and stable relationship between China and the United States is in the common interests of both China and the United States. The DPP government's attempt to "rely on the United States and seek independence" is a fantasy.
According to US media reports, US government officials have asked Taiwanese officials to reduce their visits to Washington, not wanting Taiwan to become a "stumbling block" to advancing US-China relations. Zhang Han said that the Democratic Progressive Party authorities stubbornly adhere to the separatist stance of "Taiwan independence" and attempt to challenge the one-China principle in the international community, but will only encounter obstacles everywhere.
New Party Vice Chairman Li Shengfeng recently elaborated on the New Party’s relevant propositions on the “one country, two systems” Taiwan plan. In response to relevant questions, Zhang Han said that more and more Taiwanese people, including the New Party, have begun to discuss the specific content of the "one country, two systems" Taiwan plan, imagining the bright prospects after reunification, thinking about the huge opportunities that reunification will bring to Taiwan's economic and social development, and the tangible benefits it will bring to the majority of Taiwan compatriots.
Regarding the DPP leader Lai Ching-te's statement that a defense budget of over NT$1.3 trillion will be compiled next year, Zhang Han said that the huge defense investment not only squeezes the island's people's livelihood and social welfare expenditures, harms the vital interests of the Taiwanese people, but also pushes Taiwan step by step into a more dangerous situation, coercing the Taiwanese people into becoming cannon fodder for "Taiwan independence".
At the press conference that day, cross-strait exchanges in many fields attracted attention. The mainland TV series "Orchid Fragrance Remains Like the Old" became a hit in Taiwan, sparking a discussion among island netizens about life in the Ming Dynasty. Zhang Han responded to the inquiry and said that watching a drama together, singing a song together, tasting a delicious food together, and going to the same city together have increasingly become a popular way of life for people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, especially young friends.
The 48th WorldSkills Competition was successfully held in Shanghai. The spokesperson introduced the participation of the Chinese Taipei delegation. Zhang Han said that compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait exchange skills and enhance friendship, interpreting the theme of the competition "Skills change the world, skills illuminate the future" with the spirit of craftsmanship.
As the National Day holiday approaches, Zhang Han said that the mainland continues to create better conditions for Taiwan compatriots to travel to and from the mainland. At present, "First-comers" who apply for a Taiwan Compatriot Certificate are exempted from the document fee, and the number of ports that can issue a valid Taiwan Compatriot Certificate has been increased to 100. Most A-level and above scenic spots in the mainland offer exemptions and exemptions to scenic spot admission fees for Taiwanese "First-Comers".
The spokesperson also introduced the ninth "National Reunification and National Rejuvenation" think tank dialogue, the 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival social activities for compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and recent cross-Strait film, television, music and other exchange activities.
