Taiwan politicians said that the "pro-independence" stance of Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te, who took office in May, has sparked international concerns with his "two-state" theory, leading to doubts about his ability to stabilize the situation in the Taiwan Strait.
During an event on Saturday, ahead of the island's "Double Tenth" day or "national" day on October 10, Lai said that the People's Republic of China is not the motherland of the people of Taiwan.
"If anyone in Taiwan wants to say happy birthday to the PRC, please do not call it the motherland," Lai said after some Taiwan actors who recently said happy birthday to the PRC.
Those included Taiwan actress Annie Yi, who posted on Weibo expressing her immense honor on October 1 after attending the 75th-anniversary reception of the PRC in Beijing. She shared her photos and the invitation letter, writing, "My dearest motherland, happy birthday.".
Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, criticized Lai's remarks, saying that regardless of where Taiwan people mention the motherland, they should not be doubted or blamed.
"Both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan belong to China, and Taiwan people are Chinese. Those who truly love Taiwan would not pursue 'Taiwan independence'," he said.
Hsiao said that Lai's "two-state" theory has escalated tensions in the Taiwan Strait, leading to widespread international concerns, as highlighted in a report by the International Crisis Group published on Sept. 26.
Titled "The Widening Schism across the Taiwan Strait," the report said that Lai's adoption of a more hardline stance towards the mainland has exacerbated tensions.
He said that the report specifically pointed out that Lai should restore a more cautious and restrained approach in publicly discussing his own position and cross-Strait relations, which reflected international concerns over the turmoil in the Taiwan Strait and confirmed the widespread skepticism surrounding Lai.
Ma Ying-jeou, a former leader of Taiwan, also criticized Lai's approach to cross-Strait relations, which he said has raised concerns in the international community, in a speech to Harvard University's Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies last week.
Lai's "pro-independence" stance implied by his statements on the mainland and Taiwan has raised concerns within US political, academic, and business circles, leading to "American Institute in Taiwan Chairwoman" Laura Rosenberger visiting the island to express concerns to the Lai administration.
Ma reminded the Democratic Progressive Party authorities to face reality, emphasizing that no country would sacrifice its own people for Taiwan.
