Mainland critical of DPP's 'independence' agenda

To ensure peace across the Taiwan Strait and enhance the well-being of people in Taiwan, the Democratic Progressive Party must abandon its separatist pursuit of "Taiwan independence" and return to the one-China principle, a mainland spokesman said on Wednesday.

The V-Day commemoration held in Beijing on Sept 3, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, captured significant attention in Taiwan.

Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a regular news conference that the V-Day military parade highlighted the mainland's determination and ability to maintain peace and uphold justice.

"It also underscored our resolve and capability to preserve unification and oppose 'Taiwan independence,'" Chen said.

Chen reiterated the significant role the Communist Party of China played in the war victory, countering claims from Taiwan's "mainland affairs council" and the DPP that downplayed this contribution. He said CPC forces resisted 60 percent of the Japanese invading forces in the backstage battlefield while coordinating with Kuomintang-led frontline efforts to strategically combat the enemy.

Chen also criticized DPP authorities for their "colonial complex" and attempts to distort history and glorify invaders.

"Such national traitors have no standing to criticize the history of the war of resistance or its commemorative activities," he said.

Many in Taiwan watched the parade through various channels. Local media reported that Taiwan people felt a sense of pride and honor, whether attending in person or viewing online.

Chen expressed appreciation for those who participated in related commemorative activities in Beijing despite what he described as obstruction and intimidation from the DPP.

"They expressed their excitement and pride as Chinese people in various ways, demonstrating profound patriotism and national integrity through their actions," Chen said.

Following the mainland's parade, concerns were voiced on the island about the DPP and "Taiwan independence" forces. Many worry that their actions are endangering Taiwan. Recently, Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te announced plans for Taiwan's "defense budget" to exceed 3 percent of GDP next year, with expectations to surpass 5 percent by 2030.

Chen said the mainstream desire across the island is for peace, development, exchange and cooperation, warning that the Lai administration's increasing "defense budgets "could exacerbate tensions.

"Seeking independence through military means will only lead Taiwan into more dangerous situations, causing greater anxiety among its people," Chen said.

He said Lai's separatist stance and reliance on external forces and military means are "squandering the hard-earned money of Taiwan people" and will not bring peace.

From 2008 to 2016, cross-Strait negotiations were resumed based on the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, resulting in a series of agreements. But after the DPP came to power in 2016, it refused to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus, leading to a breakdown in cross-Strait communication and negotiations, according to Chen.

He emphasized that any cross-Strait negotiations must be grounded in the one-China principle.

"Peace across the Strait can only be ensured if the DPP abandons its pursuit of 'Taiwan independence' separatism and returns to the one-China principle," Chen said.