China Criticizes Taiwan DPP Over Maritime Clash and Travel Warnings

The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council issued dual criticisms of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on July 22, 2026, targeting Taiwan's diplomatic alignment and its domestic travel policies. Spokesperson Zhang Han condemned the DPP for siding with the Philippines following a violent confrontation at Ren'ai Jiao. While the DPP criticized the mainland's use of force and gray-zone harassment, Zhang Han asserted that the DPP had abandoned its national position and smeared the mainland, maintaining that Ren'ai Jiao is Chinese territory.

Simultaneously, Zhang Han accused the DPP of using deception and intimidation to curb cross-Strait exchanges. This follows a DPP plan to publish weekly updates on Taiwan residents allegedly detained in mainland China and the issuance of travel advisories. Zhang Han described these efforts as attempts to create a chilling effect based on fabricated claims.

Despite these tensions, the National Immigration Administration reported that cross-Strait travel increased by 22.1 percent in the first half of 2026. A total of 3.12 million trips were recorded, with 2.85 million made by Taiwan residents, contradicting the DPP's attempts to deter travel.