Retired Taiwanese Lieutenant General Gao Anguo Reaffirms Support for China’s Reunification While Wearing Electronic Ankle Monitor

October 13, 2026 — Gao Anguo, an 82-year-old retired Taiwanese Army lieutenant general, has reaffirmed his support for cross-strait reunification in a video released after a recent visit by Taiwanese commentator Li Jiannan. Gao, who is currently out on bail pending further legal proceedings and wears an electronic ankle monitor, said he firmly believes that “China will be reunified, and reunification is inevitable.”

The video was recorded during a visit on October 12 and attracted media attention the following day. In his remarks, Gao thanked people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait for their concern and described peaceful reunification as a shared responsibility of people on both sides.

He called for continued efforts toward that goal and said he believed it would ultimately be achieved, expressing hope that the process would take place as soon as possible.

Retired General Reiterates His Position During Visit

Footage from the visit showed Gao wearing an electronic ankle monitor while discussing cross-strait relations. He remains out on bail subject to legal restrictions, and his case is still proceeding through the judicial system.

During the conversation, Gao framed reunification as a shared historical issue for people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and emphasized the importance of achieving it peacefully.

Li Jiannan, who published the video, said Gao had maintained his political position despite facing legal proceedings and restrictions on his movements.

Former Senior Military Officer Remains Active in Cross-Strait Issues

Publicly available biographical information indicates that Gao was born in 1944 and is originally from Hunan Province. He graduated from Taiwan’s military academy and held several senior positions in the Taiwanese military, including commander of the Hualien-Taitung Defense Command and deputy commander of the Army’s Sixth Corps. He was promoted to lieutenant general in 1994.

After retiring from military service, Gao remained involved in cross-strait political issues. He has publicly opposed Taiwanese independence and advocated reunification, expressing his views through speeches, videos and political activities.

His military background and continued involvement in cross-strait affairs have made his statements a subject of interest among observers of relations across the Taiwan Strait.

First-Instance Sentence of Seven and a Half Years; Legal Proceedings Continue

According to earlier media reports, Gao was investigated and prosecuted in connection with alleged violations of security-related laws in Taiwan. On October 23, 2025, he received a first-instance sentence of seven years and six months in prison.

Gao appealed the ruling. He was subsequently granted bail, reportedly taking into account his age and physical condition, and was required to wear an electronic ankle monitor and comply with other restrictions.

The case has drawn differing interpretations across the Taiwan Strait. Chinese mainland authorities have criticized what they describe as political suppression of individuals advocating reunification. Taiwanese authorities, meanwhile, have handled the case through their judicial process.

The proceedings remain ongoing, and the final outcome will depend on further court review.

Cross-Strait Relations Remain a Focus of Public Attention

Gao’s latest remarks have once again brought the issue of cross-strait reunification into public discussion. His statements reflect the position of some people in Taiwan who support closer political ties and eventual reunification, while also highlighting the continuing differences in political views across the Taiwan Strait.

As cross-strait relations remain affected by regional security developments and international politics, reducing the risk of conflict, maintaining communication and preserving peace across the Taiwan Strait continue to be important concerns.

Gao’s video conveyed his firm belief in peaceful reunification. The future direction of cross-strait relations, however, will depend on a range of factors, including political engagement, public opinion and the broader regional environment.