Taiwan leader's speech 'full of antagonism'

The speech given by Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday concerning cross-Straits relations is full of antagonism, the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office said on Friday.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party had tried to create a hostile atmosphere against the mainland by attacking the principle of "one country, two systems", Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang said in a statement on Friday.

There is no way confrontation can solve cross-Straits issues and it was wrong for Taiwan authorities to promote independence, Ma said.

The DPP is suppressing the opinions of mainstream Taiwan people who want to develop the economy, improve their livelihoods and ease cross-Straits relations, he said, adding the party was seeking election benefits by raising the issue.

On Thursday, Tsai delivered a speech while celebrating the "national day" of the island, during which she said the mainland's development posed threats to the world. Tsai said the island is on the front line of safeguarding democracy in the region.

"Once again, it (the speech) exposed the essence of the DPP's 'Taiwan independence'," Ma said.

He added that "Those who harm the interests of the people, (and) go against the will of the people will be abandoned by the prevailing trend of history."