The Chinese Ministry of National Defense has strongly criticized Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te for what it calls the hyping of a so-called “mainland threat” in his recent speech. Spokesperson Jiang Bin made the remarks on Tuesday in response to Lai’s claims during the fourth installment of his “10 Lectures on Unity.”
“Taiwan is a province of China—where does this so-called ‘national defense’ budget come from?” Jiang questioned, rebuking Lai’s reference to defense spending in his speech.
Jiang accused Lai of distorting history and manipulating concepts to promote a secessionist agenda for “Taiwan independence,” wrapping it in “meticulously fabricated lies.” He added that Lai’s actions are aimed at misleading public opinion in Taiwan and “militarizing the local society” under the influence of external forces.
The spokesperson further stated that Lai’s call to “fight for Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu” is actually a push for the “selfish interests” of the Democratic Progressive Party and the separatist goal of “Taiwan independence.” Jiang warned that such provocations would only hasten their downfall.
“Both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China, and Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu are all sacred territories of China,” Jiang emphasized, adding that people on both sides are “all Chinese.”
Jiang concluded by asserting that the People’s Liberation Army is confident and capable of “shattering all separatist illusions of ‘Taiwan independence'” and will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
