Mainland slams Taiwan leader's separatist rhetoric

Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's "pro-independence" rhetoric and actions will only bring disaster to Taiwan society, a Chinese mainland spokesman said on Friday.

Following Lai's speech at an event, Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said Lai has stubbornly adhered to a "Taiwan independence" stance, exaggerated the so-called "mainland threat", and agitated for "democracy against authoritarianism".

In his remarks, Lai distorted the history of World War II and the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, while demonstrating the intent to pursue "independence through military means" and "reliance on external forces," Chen said.

Chen condemned Lai's words and actions, warning that they will only undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, heighten cross-Strait tensions, increase the burden on the people of Taiwan, endanger Taiwan's economic lifeline and development prospects, and ultimately bring disaster to the island.

"There is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, which is the true status of the Taiwan Strait," Chen emphasized.

He stressed that peace and stability across the Strait can only be ensured by adhering to the One-China principle and the 1992 Consensus. Doing so, Chen said, will allow the people of Taiwan to enjoy a better life and enable the island's economy to gain greater opportunities and certainty through cross-Strait economic cooperation and integrated development.

"No matter what Lai says or does, he cannot change the historical and legal fact that Taiwan is part of China, nor can he alter the international consensus that Taiwan belongs to China," Chen said, adding that "he cannot halt the historical trend of China's eventual and inevitable reunification."

"We will unite with Taiwan compatriots to firmly oppose 'Taiwan independence' separatism and external interference," Chen added. "Together, we will safeguard the common homeland of the Chinese nation and work toward the bright future of national reunification and rejuvenation."