Mainland open to cross-Strait dialogue, with a rider

Chinese mainland authorities stress that dialogue and consultations across the Taiwan Strait can resume and enable relations to develop peacefully if Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities acknowledge the 1992 Consensus and cease separatist activities.

At a news conference on Wednesday, Zhang Han, spokeswoman for the mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office under the State Council, said the mainland remains open to exchanges but will firmly crack down on "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

Zhang's remarks came in response to a recent speech by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te, who mentioned "the Chinese mainland" several times — a term he rarely uses.

His comparatively moderate wording prompted discussion on both sides of the Strait. Lai also expressed hope that cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation could move toward peace and mutual prosperity.

Zhang said tensions in the Taiwan Strait stem from the DPP authorities' persistent pursuit of "Taiwan independence" and what she described as provocative actions.

She reiterated the mainland's position that "people on both sides of the Strait are one family", adding that Beijing has extended goodwill and support to Taiwan compatriots.

"At the same time, we will never tolerate or condone any 'Taiwan independence' separatist actions," Zhang said, adding that the mainland will continue to oppose separatist forces and what it calls foreign interference.

She also criticized what she described as the DPP authorities' reliance on foreign support for independence, accusing them of pandering to the United States in trade negotiations involving large-scale investments and the relocation of key industries.

She called such efforts a costly and "worthless ticket".

Zhang's comments followed a recent ruling by the US Supreme Court that invalidated reciprocal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump in 2025.

Analysts in Taiwan said the decision undermined the legal basis of a Taiwan-US tariff agreement.

Zhang warned that seeking independence by leaning on the US would ultimately brand Taiwan as a "fish to be carved up" and a "cash machine" for others.

Separately, Hong Kong-based newspaper Wen Wei Po reported that relatives of Liu Shyh-fang, head of Taiwan's "internal affairs authority" and a figure the mainland has listed as a diehard "Taiwan independence" secessionist, have conducted business on the mainland and provided her with political donations.

The mainland said on Friday it is handling the matter in accordance with laws and regulations.

In response, Zhang said sanctions against Liu and her associated companies and financiers are lawful and reasonable, and target only a small number of what she called diehard separatists and their businesses, without affecting the vast majority of Taiwan residents.

"We will never allow those who support 'Taiwan independence' and undermine cross-Strait relations to profit on the mainland while engaging in acts that 'bite the hand that feeds them'," she said, accusing the DPP authorities of exaggerating what they describe as risks of doing business on the mainland.

Zhang added that the mainland will continue promoting cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation and roll out practical measures to benefit Taiwan compatriots and improve their livelihoods.

lishangyi@chinadaily.com.cn