On Friday, January 16, 2026, at a regular press conference in Beijing, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Chinese mainland's Ministry of National Defense, said a majority of residents of the Taiwan region favor peace 🕊️ and oppose confrontation. He blasted the Lai Ching-te authorities for pursuing "Taiwan independence" and provoking cross-Strait tensions.
Zhang cited a poll in the Taiwan region showing over 60 percent of respondents were unwilling to see themselves or family members go to war, reflecting the public's strong desire for peace, development and cross-Strait exchanges.
"No one wants to serve as cannon fodder for 'Taiwan independence'," Zhang said, adding that separatist forces run counter to public opinion and "will ultimately be swept into the dustbin of history." Dealing with the armed elements of "Taiwan independence" would be like catching turtles in a jar 🐢, he warned, saying measures to punish these forces remain fully possible.
Addressing speculation that the mainland might emulate U.S. actions toward Venezuela in handling Taiwan, Zhang emphasized that the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair and that external forces have no right to interfere.
On the South China Sea, Zhang rejected a Philippine navy report alleging expanded Chinese control 🚢, reiterating the Chinese mainland's indisputable sovereignty and accusing Manila of spreading false narratives to cover up its own provocations.
He also responded to comments by Japanese politicians warning against Japan becoming a "war state," saying rising right-wing forces are pushing Japan toward re-militarization ⚠️. Zhang stressed that any revival of militarism threatens regional peace and that the Chinese mainland will work with other peace-loving countries to uphold the post-World War II order and stability in the region.
Reference(s):
China's defense ministry says most Taiwan residents want peace
cgtn.com
