TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) on Tuesday (Oct. 8) explained that President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) remarks at the National Day banquet on Oct. 5 merely reiterated the historical reality of Taiwan's sovereignty.
Chiu emphasized that the People's Republic of China (中華人民共和國) has never governed Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. President Lai stated on Saturday that the People's Republic of China could never become the "motherland" of the Republic of China's (中華民國) people, underlining Taiwan as a sovereign and independent nation.
Chiu urged Beijing to acknowledge this objective fact and respect Taiwan's public opinion, hoping for positive cross-strait relations that could foster peace and constructive interactions. The "motherland" comment sparked intense reactions on Weibo from Chinese social media users and internet commentators, leading to the deletion of related content.
Chiu noted the situation, urging restraint in over-interpreting the discourse. Reports suggest that after Taiwan's National Day on Oct. 10, the Chinese Communist Party might conduct military drills, potentially labeled "Joint Sword-2024B." Chiu responded by asserting that China should not resort to force.
As tensions simmer, people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait remain watchful for any developments that could impact regional stability.