Mainland rebukes Lai for inciting division, glorifying aggression

A Chinese mainland spokesman issued a stern warning on Thursday to Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te, saying any attempt to oppose the Chinese people and divide the country is doomed to fail.

The warning followed Lai's remarks after the mainland's V-Day commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War held in Beijing on Wednesday.

Lai posted on social media on Wednesday that "Taiwan does not believe in commemorating peace by holding guns" and that "we believe that the equipment in our hands is for defending our homeland, not for invasion and expansion."

The Taiwan leader, has recently avoided directly mentioning "Japanese aggression" and "China's victory in the War of Resistance," instead referring to the events simply as the "end of World War II."

In response, Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, criticized Lai for what he called outrageous remarks that "glorify aggression and incite division" on a day meant to honor the pride and dignity of the Chinese people worldwide.

"Lai's comments completely disregard the arduous and heroic struggle waged by the Chinese people both domestically and abroad to save the nation from peril, ignoring the great history forged by the blood and lives of the Chinese people for national independence and liberation," Chen said.

He condemned Lai for overlooking the immense sacrifices and significant historical contributions made by the Chinese people to save human civilization and defend world peace.

Chen said Lai's remarks challenge justice and conscience, and severely hurt the feelings of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. He accused "Taiwan independence" separatist forces of betraying history and the nation, and desecrating the memory of martyrs.

The spokesman emphasized that Taiwan is an integral part of China and that Taiwan compatriots are part of the Chinese nation, citing the history of national liberation against Japanese fascism and Taiwan's restoration to China.

He warned that any attempt to distort the history of the War of Resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War will not succeed.

"Any actions that challenge the postwar international order and the conscience of human justice are destined to fail. Any plot to oppose the entire Chinese people and attempt to divide the country will lead to self-destruction," Chen said.

He urged Taiwan compatriots to stand on the right side of history and of human civilization and progress.

"We hope the people of Taiwan continue the patriotic tradition, uphold the national interest, safeguard the achievements of victory, resolutely oppose 'Taiwan independence' and separatism, and work together with mainland compatriots to pursue national reunification and rejuvenation," Chen said.