Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's New Year address was a "separatist fallacy" and "Taiwan independence" is doomed to fail, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office Chen Binhua said on Thursday.
Chen issued the statement in response to a reporter's question regarding Lai's speech, in which he emphasized Taiwan's need to strengthen its "defenses" and "deterrence capabilities" in the face of what he described as "China's expansionist ambitions" and threats.
Chen accused Lai of filling his speech with lies and delusions, hostility and malice, repackaging "Taiwan independence" rhetoric, and inciting cross-Strait confrontation. He further claimed Lai was attempting to mislead the Taiwan public and international opinion.
The spokesman asserted that Lai's actions expose his stubborn separatist stance and obsessive confrontational mindset, solidifying his image as a "saboteur of peace", a "creator of crisis" and an "inciter of war".
He accused Lai of disregarding mainstream public opinion in Taiwan, escalating cross-Strait tensions, and squandering public resources on "preparing for a war for independence". He also criticized the authorities led by Lai for "authoritarian rule" in Taiwan, suppressing democracy and freedom.
By blindly flattering external forces and selling out, authorities led by Lai severely harm the interests of Taiwan people and enterprises, he added.
Chen said that no matter what Lai and the Democratic Progressive Party authorities say or do, they cannot change the fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and "Taiwan independence" is destined to fail.
The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable, and the complete reunification of the motherland will certainly be achieved, Chen said.
He called on people in Taiwan to recognize the evil nature and serious harm of "Taiwan independence", firmly stand on the right side of history, resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" separatism and external interference.
He also called on compatriots in Taiwan to work with the mainland to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and create a bright new chapter of national rejuvenation and the reunification of the motherland.
