China condemns Taiwan president ahead of keynote speech
China calls out Taiwan's president ahead of national day speech
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te is raising tensions with “sinister intentions,” according to China’s government. Lai is set to deliver a keynote speech in Taipei, which might provoke a Chinese military response. Lai, who assumed office in May after a January election victory, is strongly opposed by China, which labels him a “separatist.” Beijing views democratically governed Taiwan as its territory, a claim Lai and his administration reject.
Late on Tuesday, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office responded to Lai’s weekend comments. Lai stated that it is “impossible” for the People’s Republic of China to become Taiwan’s motherland due to Taiwan’s older political history. The Office accused Lai of confusing right from wrong, asserting that he promotes the idea that both sides of the Taiwan Strait are two separate nations. They characterised Lai’s stance on Taiwan independence as “old wine in a new bottle,” revealing his persistent position and intentions to escalate hostility.
Lai is scheduled to deliver his main national day address on Thursday, commemorating the 1911 overthrow of the last Chinese dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China. After losing a civil war to Mao Zedong’s communists in 1949, the defeated republican government fled to Taiwan. Taiwan’s formal name remains the Republic of China.
President Lai Ching-te: Mainland China is not Taiwan's homeland
Taiwan's leader says his country has political roots older than the People's Republic of China. pic.twitter.com/aD6XCluZgF
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) October 6, 2024
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, responsible for China policy, stated that it is an objective fact that the People’s Republic of China has never ruled Taiwan since 1949. They noted that the Taiwan Affairs Office’s comments highlight that Chinese communists see themselves as the sole legitimate government of China, leaving no room for the Republic of China’s survival.
Taiwanese officials anticipate that China might conduct military drills near Taiwan in reaction to Lai’s speech, using it as a pretext to pressure Taiwan into accepting its sovereignty claims. A U.S. State Department spokesperson refrained from speculating on China’s actions but emphasised that using routine celebrations or public remarks as an excuse for provocative measures undermines peace and stability.
Lai maintains that only the people of Taiwan can determine their future and has repeatedly offered talks with Beijing, which have been declined. In response to Lai’s inauguration in May, China conducted “punishment” war games around Taiwan.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Asia Nikkei suggests China’s military exercises against Taiwan were preordained, aiming to pressure President Lai Ching-te, with room for escalation and potential invasion rehearsals.(read more)
- PBS NewsHour reports that Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te urged China to stop military intimidation, emphasizing peace and sovereignty while bolstering security measures and regional partnerships.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is China angry with Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te?
China accuses Lai of promoting Taiwan independence and escalating tensions.
What is Lai Ching-te’s stance on Taiwan’s relationship with China?
Lai asserts that Taiwan and China are separate countries.
When did Taiwan’s current government take office?
Lai Ching-te took office in May after winning the election in January.
What might China do in response to Lai’s speech?
China is likely to launch military drills near Taiwan.
What is the U.S. stance on China’s potential response to Taiwan’s speech?
The U.S. emphasizes that using celebrations as a pretext for coercive actions undermines peace.
