An Fengshan: Dear journalists, good morning! Welcome to the regular press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. I am willing to answer your questions!
Press conference site
CCTV cross-strait reporters: Thank you, spokesperson. Recently, four members of the New Party were forcibly investigated and searched for their residences by the Taiwan police investigation department, and they were also taken away. The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council immediately expressed its solemn position, but the Taiwan Mainland Affairs Council expressed dissatisfaction. What is the spokesperson's comment on this?
An Fengshan: On the day of the incident, our office had expressed its position of solemn condemnation. Solving the Taiwan issue and realizing the complete reunification of the motherland is the common aspiration of all Chinese people and is also the fundamental interest of the Chinese nation. We highly appreciate the political parties, groups and individuals in Taiwan who adhere to the one-China principle, resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence", advocate peaceful cross-Strait reunification, and actively safeguard and promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. The Taiwan authorities support and condone "Taiwan independence" separatists, attack and persecute forces and people who advocate peaceful cross-Strait reunification, and undermine the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. This naturally arouses strong indignation and common opposition from people on both sides of the Strait.
Xinhua News Agency reporter: Thank you, spokesperson. Xinhua News Agency reporter asked. Public opinion generally believes that the Taiwan authorities have recently restricted cross-strait exchanges in various ways, stirred up public opinion on both sides of the strait, suppressed and persecuted forces and people on the island who advocated peaceful reunification, significantly lowered the referendum threshold, and allowed "Taiwan independence" forces to clamor for "Taiwan independence constitutional amendment." Therefore, the prospects for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations are not optimistic. What is the spokesperson’s comment on this?
An Fengshan: We have noticed that Taiwan has taken frequent actions recently. Everyone has seen that since "May 20" last year, because the Taiwan authorities do not recognize the " 1992 Consensus" and do not agree that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China, they have unilaterally destroyed the common political foundation of cross-Strait relations and brought difficulties to cross-Strait relations. has had a serious impact, making the current relationship situation increasingly complex and severe. The Taiwan authorities do not think about how to improve cross-strait relations, but instead continue to act in their own way. On the one hand, it indulges and supports the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces on the island and engages in "de-Sinicization" "Taiwan independence" separatist activities. On the other hand, the forces and people on the island who support cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation and advocate the peaceful development and peaceful reunification of cross-Strait relations are suppressed and persecuted, interfere with and obstruct cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, incite cross-Strait hostility and confrontation, and undermine the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. What I want to emphasize is that any force’s attempts and practices to pursue “Taiwan independence” separatism in any form will be firmly opposed by compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and will not succeed.
Spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council An Fengshan
CCTV China News Reporter: We have a question about the sentencing of the "Kenya Fraud Case". After the verdict was announced in this case, public opinion in Taiwan was concerned about whether Taiwanese prisoners could return to Taiwan to serve their sentences. I would like to ask the spokesperson, what is the mainland's attitude towards this issue? Thanks!
An Fengshan: In recent years, Taiwanese telecom fraud criminals have set up dens abroad and have been rampant in telecom fraud against mainland people, seriously damaging the personal and property safety of the mainland people. The majority of the mainland people are deeply disgusted by this, and have expressed that they should be severely punished, and justice should be provided to the victims, so as to effectively safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the mainland people and the victims. In fact, not only people in mainland China, but also people in Taiwan are also suffering from telecommunications fraud. Everyone hopes that these telecom fraud criminals will be brought to justice. However, what we see is that telecommunications fraud and criminal activities are getting more and more intense in Taiwan. These telecom fraud criminals "defraud the whole world", but they are ignored on the island and do not receive the punishment they deserve. I saw reports from Taiwanese media. According to Taiwanese statistics, from 2011 to October 2016, a total of 49,000 people were prosecuted for suspected telecommunications fraud. However, only 8 people have been sentenced to more than five years in prison, less than 2 out of 10,000. Not to mention that the 20 Taiwanese telecommunications fraud suspects who were brought back from Malaysia last year were announced to be released on the spot at the airport. I believe this picture left a very deep impression on everyone.What Taiwan should reflect on is why Taiwan’s cross-border telecom fraud activities have been repeatedly banned, but have become more and more serious. What exactly is the problem?
An Fengshan: As for the question you just asked, the relevant mainland departments will handle it in a manner that is conducive to combating crime, maintaining judicial justice, and protecting the rights and interests of victims. For specific questions, you can ask the relevant departments.
Reporter from China News Service : According to reports, KMT Vice Chairman Zeng Yongquan was originally scheduled to visit the mainland in the near future, but his application was rejected by the Taiwan authorities and the trip was canceled. What is the spokesperson's comment?
An Fengshan: The current situation of cross-strait relations has become more complex and severe. On the basis of the common political basis of adhering to the "1992 Consensus" and opposing "Taiwan independence," the Kuomintang and the Communist Party strengthen exchanges and cooperation, which is conducive to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and enhancing the well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Strait. Taiwan, on the one hand, restricts communication, and on the other hand, it deprives others of the right to communicate. This kind of interference and obstruction of cross-strait exchanges is unpopular.
Reporter from Taiwan China Times: I would like to verify that the Kuomintang-Communist Forum will be held in March or April next year? Is there any new progress in the current progress? There is no Kuomintang-Communist Forum this year. Does this mean that the relationship between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party is not as close as before? In addition, when Kuomintang Chairman Wu Dunyi attended an event a few days ago, when people shouted "peaceful reunification", Wu Dunyi said that "peaceful reunification" is not mature at this time. What is the spokesperson's comment on this?
An Fengshan: The Kuomintang and the Communist Party have maintained regular contact and communication on the basis of the common political basis of adhering to the "1992 Consensus" and opposing "Taiwan independence." As for the forum-related matters you mentioned, the specific situation will be announced to the public once the information is confirmed.
An Fengshan: Your second question is that the mainland’s position and attitude on resolving the Taiwan issue and achieving the peaceful reunification of the motherland are very clear and consistent.
Voice of the Straits Radio : First of all, please introduce the relevant situation of the housing provident fund benefits that Taiwan residents living in the mainland can enjoy. In addition, some people are worried that for those who do not plan to buy a house in the mainland, provident fund expenditures will cause some trouble in their benefits. Could the spokesperson please comment on this? Thanks!
Voice of the Straits Radio reporter asked
An Fengshan: In order to gradually realize that Taiwan compatriots enjoy the same treatment as mainland compatriots in studying, starting a business, working and living in the mainland, the relevant departments recently jointly issued the "Regarding Hong Kong and Macao Employment in the Mainland (Mainland)" Opinions on Issues Related to Taiwan Compatriots’ Enjoyment of Housing Provident Fund Benefits”. The specific content of the above regulations can be viewed on the website of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.
An Fengshan: Let me emphasize again that Taiwanese compatriots working in the mainland can pay housing provident funds in accordance with relevant regulations. The individual contribution portion of the housing provident fund belongs to the individual employee, does not increase additional expenditure, and can be withdrawn and used through various channels. If you don’t plan to buy a house in mainland China, you can also withdraw housing provident funds to pay rent. The rights and interests of Taiwanese compatriots in withdrawing and using housing provident funds will be effectively protected. This is a good thing that is in the vital interests of Taiwan compatriots.
Taiwan Dongsen TV: Recently, Taiwan released the "National Defense Report White Paper." It emphasizes so-called "asymmetric" operations. Some Democratic Progressive Party "legislators" said that Taiwan's soldiers can now carry a pack of explosives to blow up a mainland tank. I wonder what the mainland thinks of this statement?
An Fengshan: We have made it clear many times that the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations is the fundamental guarantee for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The pursuit of "Taiwan independence" separatism is the greatest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Under the current reality of the increasingly disparity in strength between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits, there is no way out for engaging in confrontation and "rejecting reunification with force." Only by giving up its "Taiwan independence" stance and hostile thinking can Taiwan truly safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Reporter from China Radio International: According to reports, mainland Internet company Toutiao has used Internet technology to help Taiwanese veterans find their relatives on the mainland. There have been many successful cases. Could the spokesperson please introduce the relevant situation?
An Fengshan: With the rapid development of the Internet, the Internet has now become the "fourth link" connecting compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait after cross-strait mail, navigation, and trade. It is understood that the mainland Internet company Jinri Toutiao Company has cooperated with relevant Taiwanese media to use precise Internet push technology to release Taiwan veterans’ family search information and help Taiwan veterans find their mainland relatives who have been separated for many years. So far, more than 40 pieces of relevant information have been released, and 19 Taiwanese veterans have been successfully reunited with their relatives on the mainland. Tomorrow, December 28, Toutiao Company will hold a press conference on the cross-strait family search project in Beijing. Journalists are welcome to go and report.
Reporter from Xiamen TV, Fujian: The 2018 Spring Festival is approaching again. Please introduce the plans for overtime flights on both sides of the Taiwan Strait during the Spring Festival this year.
An Fengshan: It is understood that in order to meet the travel needs of passengers from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, especially the needs of Taiwanese compatriots to return home for the Spring Festival, business and technical personnel from both sides of the Taiwan Strait have recently confirmed the matters and specific arrangements for overtime flights during the 2018 Spring Festival. Both sides agree that airlines on both sides of the Taiwan Strait will arrange overtime operations during the Spring Festival from February 2 to March 2, 2018. There is no limit on the total amount of overtime, but there is an upper limit only for some busy airports in mainland China, namely 16 flights in Beijing, 162 flights in Shanghai Pudong, 11 flights in Guangzhou, 23 flights in Shenzhen, and 44 round-trip flights in Hangzhou. Both parties plan to approve the first batch of Spring Festival overtime services before January 3, 2018, to facilitate passengers’ reservations and itinerary arrangements.
Taiwan Zhongtian TV reporter: Kunshan has always been an important center for Taiwanese businessmen in the manufacturing industry. The recent shutdown order has made many Taiwanese businessmen worried. Although the subsequent proposal was only a notification and not implemented. In the face of increasingly stringent environmental protection requirements, will the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council provide guidance and upgrade and improvement measures for Taiwanese businessmen?
An Fengshan: has learned from Kunshan that the relevant notice you mentioned has not been implemented yet. In the next step, the local government will strengthen the monitoring of relevant pollutant-discharging enterprises, require enterprises to strictly implement the main responsibilities of pollutant-discharging units, strengthen the construction and operation management of pollution control facilities, and implement the responsibilities of pollution control, emission reduction, and environmental risk prevention. It is hoped that relevant Taiwanese companies can understand and support the relevant measures taken by the Kunshan Municipal Government to control pollution and protect the environment.
Shenzhen TV reporter: Regarding the card-type Taiwan Compatriot Certificate. In addition to purchasing and collecting tickets when traveling by plane or high-speed rail, what further convenience measures will be provided in the future with the card-type Taiwan Compatriot ID Card? How many card-type Taiwan Compatriot Identification Cards have been replaced so far?
An Fengshan: In order to provide convenience for Taiwan compatriots to travel to the mainland, the mainland has implemented a visa-free policy for Taiwan compatriots traveling to and from the mainland since July 1, 2015. From September 21, it has fully implemented the card-type Taiwan Compatriot Permit. . Compatriots in Taiwan generally give positive comments on the great improvement in functionality and convenience of the card-type Taiwan Compatriot Identity Card, and more and more people are requesting to apply for and renew the card-type Taiwan Compatriot Identity Card. It is understood that relevant mainland authorities have issued 2.69 million card-type Taiwan Compatriot Certificates. Next, we will seriously study and find ways to improve the problem of inability to identify Taiwan compatriots' ID cards when providing social services that rely on electronic and network technologies, so as to provide more convenience for the majority of Taiwan compatriots.
Fujian Strait TV: Recently, Taiwan achieved a "meeting" through video at a certain meeting of the United Nations . What is your response to this incident?
An Fengshan: Previously, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated our position and attitude. As we all know, the United Nations is an international organization composed of sovereign states and pursues the one-China policy. Taiwan uses this abnormal method to challenge the one-China principle generally adhered to by the international community and attempts to create "two Chinas" and "one China, one Taiwan" in the world. It also thinks it has its own tricks and is amusing itself on the island. Hey, in fact, it is like a cricket shaking a tree, and it cannot shake the one-China pattern of the international community at all.
Fujian Strait Herald: Recently, media reported that the first phase of the project to divert water from the mainland to Kinmen was completed. Does the spokesperson have relevant information in this regard? Could you please comment on the significance of this cross-Strait cooperative livelihood construction project to cross-Strait relations?
An Fengshan: Since the Fujian Kinmen Water Supply Project Contract was officially signed on July 20, 2015, the mainland has been promoting the construction of the project in accordance with the attitude and sincerity of "we are one family on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and drink water from the same river". It is understood that the main part of the mainland section of the project has been completed. We hope that Kinmen can speed up project construction and strive to open water as soon as possible next year to benefit the people of Kinmen.
On-site media
China Taiwan Net: Recently, the 2017 Cross-Strait Chinese Character of the Year vote was held, and the word "chuang" was selected as the new Cross-Strait Chinese Character of the Year. What is the spokesperson's comment? The second question is that the famous poet Yu Guangzhong passed away on December 14 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Mr. Yu wrote many poems. How does the spokesperson evaluate Mr. Yu's role in promoting cross-strait cultural exchanges?
An Fengshan: Your first question, this year’s cross-strait Chinese character of the year jointly selected by cross-strait media is “chuang”. Previously, the Chinese character of the year selected by Taiwanese media itself was "Mang". Comparing the two, one is entrepreneurship and innovation, while facing the future is pioneering and enterprising. One side is confused, uncertain, and at a loss when facing the future. This can also be seen as a true portrayal of the personal experiences and feelings of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait in 2017, which is about to pass.
An Fengshan: Your second question, regarding the death of Mr. Yu Guangzhong, the spokesperson of our office expressed condolences the next day. Although Mr. Yu has passed away, his masterpieces of poetry and lyrics full of national sentiments, such as "Nostalgia", "Wind Chimes", "Looking for Li Bai", " Nostalgia Four Rhymes ", etc. will be passed down to the world. He actively participated in cross-strait cultural exchanges. , the actions of opposing cultural "Taiwan independence" will also be passed down.
CPPCC News reporter: At the Cross-Strait Youth Officials Forum held in Taiwan on the 24th, due to the impact of the New Party Wang Bingzhong incident, Taiwanese students did not dare to communicate with mainland students. They were worried that if they communicated with mainland students, they would be persecuted because of the so-called "National Security Law" . This incident has caused a chilling effect in Taiwan island . What does the spokesperson think about this?
An Fengshan: I would like to emphasize again that any attempt to suppress and persecute the forces and people who advocate peaceful cross-Strait reunification will be met with strong indignation and common opposition from the people on both sides of the Strait, and it will not be able to stop the trend of exchanges and exchanges between people on both sides of the Strait.
Reporter from China Review News Agency: The People's Liberation Army sent military aircraft to fly around Taiwan on the 17th, 18th, and 20th of this month, and released a promotional video titled "Cruising Around the Island" on the 17th. May I ask the spokesperson, what is the significance of these actions? Will regular flights around the island be the next step? In addition, New Party Chairman Yu Muming said yesterday that a "New Party Service Committee" will be established to interface with relevant departments of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. Could the spokesperson introduce the relevant situation?
An Fengshan: Your first question, the Ministry of National Defense and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council have made it clear many times in press conferences that this is a planned routine training, and everyone will gradually get used to it.
An Fengshan: As for your second question, we are happy to see and support the new party playing a greater role in promoting cross-strait exchanges and cooperation and serving compatriots on both sides.
Economic Daily reporter: As the year is approaching, could the spokesperson introduce the cross-Strait economic and trade exchanges in 2017? What are the expectations for cross-Strait economic and trade exchanges in 2018?
An Fengshan: It’s the end of the year again, and everyone is paying close attention to the development of cross-strait exchanges and cooperation in various fields. As usual, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council will summarize and take stock of cross-Strait relations in the previous year at a press conference in the first month of the new year. Everyone is welcome to pay attention.
Global Network reporter: First question, Ms. Ku Yanzhuoyun, the chairman of Taiwan’s Women’s Federation and the widow of Mr. Ku Zhenfu, was recently ordered to be replaced by Taiwan’s internal affairs department.What's the spokesperson's comment on this? Second question, there are reports that Didi Chuxing, China’s largest ride-hailing platform, has begun recruiting drivers in Taiwan to provide passenger services. Can the spokesperson confirm this? Are you optimistic about its success?
An Fengshan: Your first question is that I will not comment on the affairs on the island. I believe that the public opinion on the island will have its own public comment.
An Fengshan: As for your second question, I don’t quite understand the situation. Didi Chuxing should be a one-stop, diversified travel platform launched in mainland China in the era of the Internet economy. Many people have enjoyed convenient travel services. Strengthening exchanges and cooperation between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait in the field of Internet economy will help enhance the interests and well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. It is a mutually beneficial and win-win matter and should be viewed with a normal mind.
United Daily News reporter: In the past month, eight democratic parties have held national congresses one after another to elect new leaders. The democratic parties have always been committed to promoting the peaceful reunification of the motherland. What are the spokesperson's expectations and views on the democratic parties in promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations in the future?
An Fengshan: We congratulate the new leadership team produced by the Taiwan League, Taiwan Federation and other democratic parties. We also hope and believe that the democratic parties can continue to give full play to their respective characteristics and advantages, unite the majority of Taiwan compatriots, and resolutely oppose " "Taiwan Independence", promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advance the process of peaceful reunification of the motherland.
China Daily reporter: The DPP authorities are very nervous after the People's Liberation Army military aircraft resumed high-sea training. Some Taiwanese media said that Tsai Ing-wen will hold a year-end press conference at the end of this month, and she will inevitably talk about the so-called "defense independence." In addition, some Taiwanese officials claimed that Tsai Ing-wen will travel to the United States again in January next year. What is the spokesperson's comment? According to relevant documents recently disclosed by the railway department, the Beijing-Kowloon High-speed Railway may have been officially renamed the Beijing-Hong Kong-Taiwan High-speed Railway. The document stated that among the eight planned longitudinal main channels, one is the Beijing-Hong Kong-Taiwan Channel, which starts from Beijing. Departing from Hefei, the troops split into two routes, one from Hefei to Hong Kong and Kowloon, the other from Hefei to Fuzhou and then to Taipei. Please give the spokesperson more detailed information.
An Fengshan: I have already answered the first question just now. Only the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations can fundamentally ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Engaging in a confrontational approach of "rejecting reunification with force" is not conducive to cross-strait peace and stability. [11:05]
An Fengshan: Second question, we have always dealt with Taiwan’s external activities in accordance with the one-China principle.
An Fengshan: As for your third question, I remember that it was answered at a previous press conference held by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. Because this is the long-term plan for transportation infrastructure construction in the “Thirteenth Five-Year Plan” outline. Such a plan is conducive to the layout of the railway network and the improvement of railway service capabilities. It is also conducive to the economic and social development of various places along the line and benefits compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Shenzhen TV reporter: Tsai Ing-wen recently said that Taiwan is a "contributor to regional security and stability," but she smeared the mainland by saying that the mainland's recent increasingly frequent military movements in East Asia have had a certain impact on the security and stability of surrounding areas. What is the spokesperson's response to this?
An Fengshan: Only the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations can ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. There will be no peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait if we engage in "Taiwan independence" separatism.
Global Network reporter: We have noticed that Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council recently announced that it will reduce the number of mainland tourist groups under the "mini three links" from 5 to 3 people, and relax relevant regulations for some relatives of mainland spouses to visit Taiwan. Spokesperson Any comments on this?
An Fengshan: Since May 20 last year, the Taiwan authorities have not recognized the "1992 Consensus" and have not recognized that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to the same China. This has destroyed the political foundation of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, caused a serious impact on cross-Strait relations, and affected the development of cross-Strait relations. In every aspect. Taiwan should recognize the crux of the problem and take practical and effective measures to provide a better environment and conditions for cross-strait exchanges.
An Fengshan: Thank you everyone! Today is the last regular press conference of the year. 2018 will be ushered in in a few days. In the past year, all journalist friends have been busy and worked hard.Here, I also wish you all good health, smooth work and everything goes well in the new year!
An Fengshan: See you next year! Thanks!