TAIPEI (TVBS News) — China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO, 國台辦) sharply criticized Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) for his Oct. 10 National Day speech on Tuesday (Oct. 15), describing it as a "confession of Taiwan independence" with "harmful" and "destructive" implications.
Chen Binhua (陳斌華), the spokesperson for the TAO, made these remarks underscoring escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait. President Lai asserted during his address that the Republic of China has taken root in Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, and emphasized that the People's Republic of China holds no authority over Taiwan.
Chen accused Lai of systematically and concretely provoking the "One China" principle with a "new two-state theory," labeling his stance as increasingly radical and provocative. Chen further claimed Lai's speech attempts to sever historical ties between Taiwan and the mainland, hollowing out the "One China" concept and pushing Taiwan towards independence.
He argued that Lai's concretization of the "new two-state theory" extends into economic and social spheres, mobilizing society for separatism and challenging Taiwan's status as part of China. The spokesperson criticized Lai for promoting Taiwan's sovereign independence, challenging the international community's adherence to the "One China" principle, and internationalizing the Taiwan issue.
Chen reiterated that opposing Taiwan independence is a struggle to maintain national unity, denouncing Lai as a "worker for Taiwan independence" and a "destroyer of peace." On the evening of Lai's speech, the TAO released a statement accusing the address of fostering confrontation and undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Four days after Lai's speech, China's People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command announced the "Joint Sword-2024B" exercises in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas, reaffirming China's historical narrative.