Beijing, January 16, 2026 – At a regular press conference on Friday, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, shared results of a recent poll in the Taiwan region: more than 60% of respondents said they wouldn't want themselves or their families drawn into war. 🕊️ Zhang said this shows the region's residents favor peace, development and robust cross-Strait exchanges.
Zhang also criticized the Lai Ching-te authorities for pushing "Taiwan independence" and stoking tensions. "No one wants to serve as cannon fodder for separatist forces," he said, warning that these groups run counter to public opinion and "will ultimately be swept into the dustbin of history."
On talk that the mainland might try a U.S.-style approach like in Venezuela, Zhang was clear: the Taiwan question is purely an internal affair and external forces have no right to interfere. ⚠️ He added that dealing with the armed elements of "Taiwan independence" would be like catching turtles in a jar, and that measures to punish them remain possible.
Turning to the South China Sea, Zhang rejected a recent Philippine navy report accusing Beijing of expanding its control. He reaffirmed mainland China's "indisputable sovereignty," and accused Manila of spreading false narratives to cover up its own provocations. 🌊
Answering concerns about Japan, Zhang warned that rising right-wing forces are nudging the country toward re-militarization, which he said would threaten regional peace. He stressed that China will team up with other peace-loving nations to defend the post–World War II order and maintain stability across Asia.
Reference(s):
China's defense ministry says most Taiwan residents want peace
cgtn.com
