Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's recent remarks on cross-strait relations have ignited widespread concerns across various sectors of Taiwan society. Lai's speech, marked by resistance to the Chinese mainland and rejection of reunification, is being criticized as a repackaging of his \"two states\" theory and a deliberate provocation toward the mainland.
The Labor Party in Taiwan and the Cross-Straits Peace and Development Forum issued a joint statement accusing Lai of rebranding his separatist stance under the new \"two states\" theory. \"Lai's speech essentially presents a rebranding of his separatist stance under the new 'two states' theory,\" the statement read. \"In less than six months in office, Lai has repeatedly used various statements and actions to express this view, deepening divisions within Taiwan society and provoking the mainland.\"
Upon assuming the role as Taiwan leader on May 20, Lai introduced a new version of the \"two states\" theory, asserting that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait do not belong to each other. Observers in Taiwan are alarmed, noting that Lai has surpassed his predecessors, including Lee Teng-hui, Chen Shui-bian, and Tsai Ing-wen, on the path of \"Taiwan independence.\"
Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, described Lai's speech as fundamentally provocative, using softened rhetoric to mask a strategy of provocation. \"The real plight Taiwan faces stems from Lai's insistence on the new 'two states' theory, which threatens cross-strait relations and increases tension in the Taiwan Strait,\" Hsiao said.
Eric Chu, chairman of the Kuomintang, stated that \"Taiwan independence\" is a dead end. He expressed hope that Lai could rise above the narrow ideology of \"Taiwan independence\" and demonstrate an approach that fosters peace across the strait.
Chi Chia-lin, chairman of Taiwan's Reunification Alliance Party, criticized Lai for knowingly provoking the mainland. \"Lai knew the new 'two states' theory would enrage the mainland but pushed forward regardless, showing a reckless determination to provoke,\" Chi said. He warned that this could further strain cross-strait relations in the future.
Media outlets in Taiwan also voiced their concerns. An editorial in the Taipei-based China Times highlighted Lai's consistent reference to \"China\" rather than \"the mainland,\" suggesting that this rhetoric implies his belief that the two sides of the strait are two distinct \"countries.\" The United Daily News criticized Lai's failure to overcome his ideological bias and face the true history and reality across the strait.
Public sentiment reflects apprehension over Lai's stance. \"Lai has opened a Pandora's box, and cross-strait relations will only get worse. It's clear that he lacks the ability to manage cross-strait relations,\" wrote an anonymous user on the social media platform Dcard.
Liu Xing-ren, an associate professor at the Chinese Culture University in Taipei, told Xinhua that Lai's speech remains a deceptive performance filled with contradictions, lacking genuine intent to resolve cross-strait tensions or alter his separatist stance.
In an open letter following Lai's speech, Xiong Zi-jie, president of the Hunan Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan, called \"Taiwan independence\" a poison. \"The separatist group headed by Lai is abandoning the path to peace and choosing conflict for the sake of its political gain,\" he wrote. \"We strongly oppose war and 'Taiwan independence.' We want peace and we want to live our lives. No one can deprive the people of Taiwan of the right to pursue peaceful reunification.\"
The growing outcry reflects deep concerns within Taiwan society about the potential repercussions of Lai's stance on cross-strait relations. Many are calling for a return to dialogue and a focus on peaceful development to ensure stability and prosperity in the region.
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Taiwan leader Lai's speech sparks outcry over provoking mainland
cgtn.com
