TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesperson Chen Binhua expressed disbelief on Wednesday (Dec. 27) following Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te's claims that if he wins, the risk of a cross-strait war would be lowest.
"Would the people of Taiwan believe him? I doubt even he would believe it," Chen said.
He pointed out the contradiction in Lai, branding himself "a supporter for Taiwanese independence" yet believing his election would mitigate risks. Chen argued that the DPP's pro-independence stance aggravates tensions across the Taiwan Strait, pushing Taiwan toward peril.
Chen stressed the widespread international consensus is to uphold the One China principle, resist declaring Taiwan's independence, and sustain peace.
In response to recent remarks that 'supporting Lai Ching-te means war,' Lai claimed it to be part of China's propaganda.
He countered that his policy direction is the most proper, aligning with the current international norm. Lai stipulated that Hong Kong was compelled toward mainland China, and Taiwan would not follow suit.
In rebuttal, Chen pointed out that the 'One Country, Two Systems' formula successfully took hold in Hong Kong, adding that the region had emerged from a pandemic while maintaining its unique status and advantages.
Chen also responded to reports on investigations of numerous Taipei and Kaohsiung bureau chiefs suspected of violating the Anti-Infiltration Act, as well as Taiwanese living in China possibly prevented from returning to Taiwan to vote due to China's recent respiratory disease outbreak.
He expressed concern that if the DPP authorities deprive Taiwanese living in China of their voting rights, it would expose their autocratic and non-democratic character to the world.