Mainland condemns Taiwan leader's comments on 'motherland' as push for independence

A Chinese mainland spokeswoman on Tuesday condemned recent remarks by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te, accusing him of exposing his steadfast "pro-independence" stance and escalating hostility across the Taiwan Strait.

During an event ahead of Taiwan's "Double Tenth" day or "national" day on Oct 10, Lai made comments about the concept of "motherland." Lai stated that, based on the age of the People's Republic of China which was founded 75 years ago, it could not be considered the motherland for the people of the Republic of China. He added that the ROC could be considered the motherland for people aged 75 and above in the PRC.

"If anyone in Taiwan wants to say happy birthday to the PRC, please do not call it the motherland," Lai said, referring to some Taiwan actors who had recently expressed birthday wishes for the PRC.

His remarks have sparked widespread debate and drawn criticism from various sectors in Taiwan.

On Tuesday, Zhu Fenglian, a spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, denounced Lai's comments, accusing him of distorting facts and creating confusion. Zhu argued that Lai's statements push a "two-state" theory, aiming to promote the idea that the mainland and Taiwan are not subordinate to each other, which she said is an effort to weaken national and ethnic unity among Taiwan residents.

Zhu reiterated that Taiwan is an integral part of China, citing the restoration of Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan on Oct 25, 1945, and the establishment of the PRC on Oct 1, 1949. She emphasized that this was a regime change within China, without altering its status under international law, and that the PRC remains the sole legitimate government representing all of China, including Taiwan.

Zhu further stated that while the two sides of Taiwan Strait has not been fully reunified, China's sovereignty and territorial integrity have never been divided. The principle that both the mainland and Taiwan belong to "one China" remains unchanged and unchangeable, she said.

Zhu called on the people of Taiwan to see through the separatist tactics by Lai's administration, urging them to oppose "Taiwan independence" and foreign interference. She stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, which she said is essential for the well-being and security of Taiwan residents.