Tensions flared across the Taiwan Strait this week as the Chinese mainland criticized new Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's inauguration speech, calling it a “dangerous signal” for cross-strait stability. 🌉 Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, accused Lai of doubling down on “Taiwan independence” rhetoric while “inciting confrontation” and seeking foreign support to undermine peace.
💡 In a fiery statement, Chen warned: “Taiwan independence and peace are as incompatible as fire and water.” He emphasized that most residents of Taiwan want “peace, not conflict”—a contrast to what he called Lai's “provocative disregard” for public opinion.
🚩 The mainland's position remains clear: “We will never tolerate any form of separatist acts,” Chen stressed, reiterating the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus. The statement comes as cross-strait relations hit new lows, with Beijing blaming the Democratic Progressive Party for rejecting unification talks and “colluding with external forces.”
🌍 While Lai’s speech didn’t receive international endorsements, the mainland vowed to “take resolute actions” against independence moves. Analysts say the rhetoric signals tough road ahead for dialogue—even as Chen expressed hope for “peaceful development” through closer economic and cultural ties.
