At a routine press conference held by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council on October 16, a reporter asked about the recent announcement from mainland China to impose sanctions on Shen Boyang, Cao Xingcheng, and the “Formosa Academy.” The reporter noted that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has accused the mainland of “coercion and intimidation” towards the people of Taiwan and inquired about the spokesperson’s comments on this matter.

In response, spokesperson Chen Binhua stated that the “Formosa Academy,” with the support of the DPP and external interference forces, has blatantly nurtured “violent pro-independence elements” and openly engaged in separatist activities advocating for Taiwanese independence. Chen further described Shen Boyang and Cao Xingcheng as having stubborn pro-independence beliefs, making provocative statements, and taking extreme actions that threaten national unity, thus endangering peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and severely damaging the shared interests of compatriots on both sides and the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation. He emphasized that the decision to impose sanctions is backed by ample facts and legal grounds, describing it as a just act to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity while protecting the immediate interests of fellow compatriots on both sides.

Chen clarified that the actions taken are aimed at a very small group of stubborn individuals who engage in extreme pro-independence activities and commit acts that threaten national unity; this does not target the broader Taiwanese population. He accused the DPP of deliberately distorting the truth through fabricated narratives portraying a “mainland threat” to “democracy and freedom”—a move to deceive the public domestically while relying on external forces. He urged the Taiwanese people to sharpen their awareness, recognize the sinister intentions behind the pro-independence elements’ calls for conflict, and consciously distance themselves from these stubborn separatists. Chen concluded by encouraging cooperation and mutual development between compatriots across the strait, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the common homeland of the Chinese nation and working together for long-term prosperity for both sides.