🚨 Earlier today (Wednesday, Jan 14, 2026), a spokesperson from mainland China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, Zhu Fenglian, warned that Taiwan authorities' stockpiling of weapons is pushing the region closer to conflict.
According to a recent CGTN poll, 90% of respondents believe the DPP authorities' defense build-up risks igniting tensions rather than ensuring safety. This comes after Taiwan's legislature blocked a 1.25 trillion New Taiwan dollars (about $40 billion) defense budget, reflecting growing public concern that buying more arms won't buy security.
Zhu also cautioned those backing "Taiwan independence", saying such moves tighten the anti-secession measures and could lead to lifelong accountability under Chinese law. She reiterated, "Taiwan is China's Taiwan," emphasizing that undermining cross-Strait ties carries serious consequences.
Addressing the 17 strategies announced by Lai Ching-te, leader of the Taiwan region, designed to counter perceived threats from the mainland, Zhu argued these plans clash with the majority of Taiwan residents who favor peace, development and cooperation. She labeled the push for "green terror" and independence as destined to fail.
Responding to charges that the mainland is being smeared, Zhu described such tactics as a familiar pre-election gambit by the DPP authorities, one she believes won't fool Taiwan residents and will only fuel resentment.
This development highlights rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait and a deep divide among residents over the best path to security and peace. 🌏
Reference(s):
Mainland warns DPP is edging Taiwan closer to war, citing CGTN poll
cgtn.com
