Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen will soon mark his first anniversary in office. The Mainland Affairs Council of the Republic of China (Taiwan) stated that mainland China’s continuous verbal attacks and military intimidation towards Taiwan have become routine, and it would not be surprising if they use the pretext of May 20th to create disturbances or engage in military exercises for political propaganda. The Taiwanese government will closely monitor the situation.
On the 15th of May, the Mainland Affairs Council of the Republic of China (Taiwan) held its regular press conference, presided over by Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh. When asked about the upcoming May 20th, the media inquired whether mainland China would escalate pressure on Taiwan, including conducting a new round of military exercises.
Liang Wen-chieh stated that mainland China’s verbal attacks and military intimidation towards Taiwan have become commonplace, often using various opportunities and excuses to conduct military exercises.
He pointed out that last year, shortly after President Tsai’s inauguration, mainland China launched the “Joint Sword-2024A” military exercise, indicating there is a possibility of mainland China once again causing disturbances and using military exercises for political propaganda on the occasion of President Tsai Ing-wen’s anniversary. The government will continue to closely monitor mainland China’s actions towards Taiwan and respond appropriately.
Liang Wen-chieh mentioned that President Tsai had expressed goodwill towards Chinese leader Xi Jinping before the election, but since Tsai’s inauguration on May 20 last year, mainland China immediately conducted military exercises, followed by the introduction of the “Anti-Secession Law 22,” and various espionage cases, leading President Tsai to outline 17 national security strategies on March 13 this year, clearly defining the other side of the Taiwan Strait as “foreign hostile forces.”
He added that while President Tsai initially wanted to show goodwill, mainland China did not reciprocate, resulting in the increasingly tense cross-strait relations. “We do not rule out the possibility of seeing mainland China’s military exercises on May 20th or later. In fact, cross-strait relations are the result of interaction between the two sides, and we hope to see a relaxation of tensions.” He expressed hope that mainland China would refrain from engaging in military exercises against Taiwan on various pretexts, allowing for the improvement of cross-strait relations.
Additionally, the 2025 World Masters Games in Taipei and New Taipei City will take place from May 17 to May 30. Liang Wen-chieh stated that efforts are being made to assist mainland Chinese athletes with special entry procedures. So far, the Mainland Affairs Council and the Immigration Agency have approved the entry of 371 athletes from mainland China, while applications from 2 individuals were rejected due to “intent to disturb.”
Liang Wen-chieh explained that following public reports of mainland Chinese athletes intending to cause disturbances during the competition, such as waving the flag of the Chinese Communist Party or advocating for the unification of Taiwan by force, government agencies denied entry to such individuals on the grounds of “intent to disturb.”
He emphasized that if mainland Chinese athletes engage in behavior or language that belittles Taiwan or violates regulations during the World Masters Games, the relevant authorities will immediately revoke their entry permits and deport them as soon as possible. He urged participants to focus on sports exchanges and not disrupt social order in Taiwan.