During a press briefing on October 15, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, criticized Lai Ching-te’s “Double Tenth” speech, labeling it a more harmful and destructive declaration of “Taiwan independence.” He warned Lai’s administration that with each provocation from the “Taiwan independence” factions, China would respond with escalating countermeasures until full reunification is achieved.
When asked about opinions in Taiwan and among Western media suggesting that Lai’s speech showed a tempered approach towards cross-strait relations and goodwill towards the mainland, Chen Binhua disagreed. He asserted that Lai has remained steadfast in his pro-independence stance since taking office, continuously escalating his rhetoric and provocations. Whether it’s the “New Two States” theory presented on May 20, his recent fabrication of the “Motherland Theory,” or this latest speech, Lai’s statements consistently challenge the One China principle with increasing aggression and a clear intent to heighten tensions across the Taiwan Strait, severely undermining peace and stability in the region.
Chen emphasized that Lai’s claim of the “Republic of China” taking root in Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu is a deliberate attempt to sever the historical ties between the two sides and to dilute the essence of One China. He accused Lai of attempting to “Taiwanize” the concept of the “Republic of China” and criticized the way Lai has concretized the abstract “New Two States” theory, which spans various social and economic realms, as a method of indoctrinating the public and mobilizing support for Taiwan’s separation.
He further added that claims of “mutual non-subordination” and advocating for Taiwan’s so-called “sovereign independence” fundamentally alter the nature of cross-strait relations and openly challenge the historical and legal fact that Taiwan is part of China. His assertion that “the People’s Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan” seeks to undermine the international framework supporting the One China principle and exacerbates efforts to internationalize the Taiwan issue, revealing an obvious reliance on foreign powers to endorse Taiwan’s independence agenda.
Chen concluded by stating that Lai Ching-te’s actions reflect a commitment to promoting “two-state theory” and inciting “Taiwan independence,” constituting deliberate provocations that damage cross-strait relations. He questioned the existence of any “moderation” or “goodwill” in Lai’s approach, labeling him a “true Taiwan independence activist” and “peace destroyer.”
Finally, Chen reaffirmed that the fight against “Taiwan independence” is fundamentally about resisting divisions and maintaining national unity. He noted that China’s recent series of firm countermeasures are justified actions by a sovereign state to guard its territorial integrity and are essential for safeguarding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, as well as the well-being of the Taiwanese people. He reiterated the warning to Lai’s administration that each provocation from the “Taiwan independence” forces would lead to a stronger response, until national reunification is fully realized.
