The Chinese mainland has strongly criticized Lai Ching-te’s recent speech, labeling it a confession of ‘Taiwan independence’. Lai, who assumed his role as the new leader of the Taiwan region on Monday, made remarks that have been described as hostile and provocative by mainland officials.
Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, issued a statement on Tuesday condemning Lai’s speech. Chen stated that Lai’s comments were filled with ‘hostility, provocation, lies, and deception.’ He emphasized that Lai’s stance on ‘Taiwan independence’ has become increasingly radical and risky.
In his speech, Lai advocated for ideas such as ‘sovereign independence,’ ‘non-subordination between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait,’ and ‘self-determination of Taiwan residents.’ Chen argued that these positions not only fail to address the fundamental nature of cross-Strait relations but also attempt to alter that nature, posing a serious challenge to the one-China principle.
Chen reminded Lai that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and that its future can only be determined by the 1.4 billion Chinese people, including compatriots in Taiwan. He criticized Lai for seeking support from external forces, accusing him of trying to ‘internationalize the Taiwan question’ and ‘seek independence by relying on foreign countries’ and ‘using force.’
‘No matter how much he fawns on external forces and seeks their support, he will always be a pawn,’ Chen noted. He warned that any attempts to pursue ‘Taiwan independence’ would ultimately fail and could lead to increased tensions.
Chen emphasized the mainland’s desire for peaceful national reunification, stating, ‘Compatriots on both sides of the Strait are Chinese and belong to the Chinese nation. No one desires more than we do to achieve national reunification through peaceful means.’ However, he cautioned that the mainland must ‘counteract and punish’ actions by the Democratic Progressive Party authorities that provoke and seek independence.
Lai’s calls for ‘dialogue’ and ‘exchanges’ were dismissed by Chen as superficial, suggesting that the Taiwan authorities have not shown genuine intent to promote cross-Strait relations or improve the island’s economy. He accused them of preventing mainland residents and students from traveling to Taiwan for tourism or study.
Concluding his remarks, Chen stated that no matter what Lai says or does, it cannot change the fact that Taiwan is part of China. He expressed confidence that the common desire of compatriots on both sides of the Strait to become closer would continue, and that the trend toward China’s reunification is irreversible.
(With input from Xinhua)
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Mainland slams Lai's speech as a confession of 'Taiwan independence'
cgtn.com
