China has voiced strong opposition to Taiwan’s Vice President Lai Ching-te’s recent stopover in the United States, calling it a move aimed at promoting Taiwan’s independence.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of China’s State Council, stated that Lai’s transit through the US is essentially an attempt to garner support for Taiwan’s separatist agenda.
“We firmly oppose any form of official interaction between the United States and Taiwan,” Zhu declared. “Any so-called ‘transit’ by a Taiwan leader in the US, under any name or pretext, is unacceptable.”
Zhu criticized Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for what she described as collusion with external forces to provoke separatist sentiments. She warned that the DPP’s actions are leading cross-Strait relations into dangerous territory.
“The DPP authorities should abandon any illusions of seeking ‘Taiwan independence’ by relying on external forces or military means,” Zhu said. “They must cease all separatist activities.”
She emphasized that the only path to peaceful development and prosperity for Taiwan lies in accepting the 1992 Consensus, which upholds the one-China principle.
“Returning to the 1992 Consensus will set cross-Strait relations back on the right track,” Zhu concluded, “ensuring a secure future for Taiwan’s growth and prosperity.”
Reference(s):
Chinese mainland: Lai Ching-te's U.S. 'stopover' a separatist move
cgtn.com
