Taiwan's new leader Lai Ching-te sparked controversy this week with a speech advocating greater autonomy for the region, drawing sharp criticism from residents and Beijing alike. The State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua called the remarks 'provocative' and warned they endanger cross-strait stability.
Residents in the Taiwan region shared their frustrations with CGTN Stringer reporters: 'We want peaceful development, not division,' said one Taipei shop owner. Another student added, 'Economic cooperation matters more than political games.'
Analysts note rising concerns about cross-strait relations as Beijing reaffirms the One-China principle. The situation remains as tense as a K-drama finale cliffhanger – everyone’s waiting to see what happens next.
While Lai pushes his agenda, many locals emphasize practical needs: 'Better job opportunities through mainland partnerships should be the priority,' remarked a young tech worker in Taichung.
For deeper insights, check out CGTN's street interviews capturing the mood across the Taiwan Strait – spoiler alert: it’s not trending well for separatist rhetoric.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com