The Chinese mainland has strongly condemned recent remarks by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te, stating they risk escalating cross-strait tensions and undermining regional stability. During a press conference on Tuesday, State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua warned that Lai’s speech marking his first year in office “provoked confrontation” and created barriers to cross-strait cooperation.
Chen emphasized that such rhetoric violates the one-China principle, which Beijing considers the foundation for peaceful relations. “Attempts to distort historical and legal facts will only harm the interests of residents in Taiwan and destabilize the region,” he stated, urging adherence to the 1992 Consensus that affirms Taiwan is part of China.
The remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of cross-strait relations, with analysts noting potential impacts on trade and investment flows. Over 1,000 Taiwan businesses operate in the Chinese mainland, contributing to $200 billion in annual bilateral trade. Experts warn prolonged political friction could disrupt supply chains in critical sectors like semiconductors.
Regional governments have called for restraint, while international observers highlight the Taiwan Strait’s strategic importance to global shipping routes. The situation remains a focal point for diplomats and investors monitoring Asia’s geopolitical landscape.
