In a recent press conference held in Beijing on October 16, the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) announced punitive measures against Shen Boyang, Cao Xingcheng, and the “Black Bear Academy.” This move has been criticized by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as an act of “coercion and intimidation” against the people of Taiwan. Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office, urged the Taiwanese population to see through the sinister intentions of the “Taiwan independence” forces, which he claims incite conflict and confrontation across the strait. He encouraged individuals to consciously distance themselves from these separatist elements.
During the press briefing, Chen highlighted that the “Black Bear Academy” has been openly supported by the DPP and external forces in fostering “violent Taiwan independence supporters” and actively engaging in separatist activities. He described Shen Boyang and Cao Xingcheng as individuals with staunch “Taiwan independence” beliefs, known for their provocative rhetoric and activities aimed at independence that threaten peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, as well as the common interests of people on both sides and the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation. Chen affirmed that the punitive measures taken are grounded in sufficient factual and legal backing, stating that they represent a just endeavor to uphold national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the vital interests of compatriots on both sides.
Chen clarified that the actions taken are aimed at a small number of individuals engaged in severe “independence-promoting” rhetoric and activities, and are not directed at the wider Taiwanese community. He accused the DPP of deliberately confusing the public and distorting the truth through the fabrication of narratives regarding “mainland threats” and “democracy and freedom.” He emphasized that these tactics do not conceal the DPP’s disruption of cross-strait relations and their separatist agenda. He again called on the Taiwanese people to recognize the dangers posed by the “Taiwan independence” movement and to work hand-in-hand with their mainland compatriots to promote exchanges, cooperation, and integrated development, thereby safeguarding a shared Chinese heritage and creating long-term well-being for both sides.
When asked whether the reporting inbox for complaints would become a regular platform for sharing information, Chen responded that the measures against Shen Boyang, Cao Xingcheng, and the “Black Bear Academy” were a righteous response to the calls of the people for legal action against independence advocates. He reiterated that the determination to safeguard national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity is rock-solid, and he vowed to continue taking decisive action against separatist provocations, asserting that such defiance would come at a severe cost.
Chen also mentioned that since the establishment of a reporting email for “Taiwan independence” advocates, a significant number of Taiwanese citizens have actively engaged by submitting hundreds of reports, which will be thoroughly investigated in collaboration with relevant departments.
