Lai condemned for inciting confrontation

Chinese mainland officials condemned Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te for playing up the so-called "mainland military threat" and inciting confrontation across the Taiwan Strait, saying that his speech on Saturday reflected a separatist mindset and sought to mislead the public.

Zhang Han, a spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said that Lai's speech disregarded facts and distorted the truth, exposing his ulterior motives of pursuing "Taiwan independence".

Zhang criticized Lai for stubbornly clinging to a separatist "Taiwan independence" mindset and playing up the so-called "mainland threat". She also accused him of promoting the false narrative of "democracy versus authoritarianism" and seeking "Taiwan independence" through force and by relying on external forces.

Such moves, Zhang said, stoke confrontation across the Taiwan Strait and undermine peace and stability in the region.

"There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is part of China," Zhang said, stressing that this remains the real status quo across the Taiwan Strait. She added that the one-China principle is a basic norm governing international relations, a broad consensus in the international community and an important part of the post-World War II international order.

In his speech in Taipei on Saturday, Lai accused the mainland of "using military actions to pressure Taiwan" and claimed that raising "defense" spending is "not a provocation but a way to deter war".

On Sunday, Chen Xi, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, said that Lai's attempts to seek "Taiwan independence" through force and reliance on external forces reflected his nature as a "troublemaker for Taiwan" and a "source of disaster for peace".

Chen said that Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities, for their own party interests, have pursued a separatist agenda and opposed reunification, while currying favor with external forces and seeking their support.

He also criticized the DPP authorities for promoting the so-called "whole-of-society mobilization", turning the island into a battlefield, and tying Taiwan people to the "Taiwan independence" agenda.

In response to Lai's claims of a so-called "mainland military threat", Chen said the Chinese People's Liberation Army's regular exercises and training around Taiwan are intended to deter separatist moves and external interference, and to safeguard the safety and well-being of Taiwan residents.

Bao Chengke, a researcher at a Shanghai cross-Strait studies association, said that Lai's pursuit of "Taiwan independence" is a provocation itself. He said that Lai has increased "defense" spending by using taxpayers' hard-earned money to serve his separatist agenda.

Taiwan's proposed "defense" budget for 2027 has increased to NT$1.12 trillion ($35.1 billion), more than double the amount when Lai took office in 2024 and close to 4 percent of the island's GDP, Bao said. "Such an extreme pursuit of military buildup will ultimately harm Taiwan residents and the island's economy," he added.

Bao said that Lai is aware that there is little room for pursuing "Taiwan independence" in the international community, and therefore concealed such advocacy while accusing the mainland of "authoritarian expansion".

"His remarks are aimed to create a smokescreen for the DPP's pursuit of 'Taiwan independence' separatism," Bao added.

Lai also portrayed Taiwan as "a city upon a hill", while pledging to improve social welfare. Critics said he was misleading the public by glossing over social problems and failing to address the real challenges facing Taiwan society.

Huang Kuo-chang, chairman of the Taiwan People's Party, expressed his disappointment with Lai's hollow slogans. He said that Lai failed to see the realities faced by people at the foot of the hill, including the widening wealth gap and the plight of traditional industries on the island.

Han Kuo-yu, head of the island's legislative body, pointed to fractures in Taiwan's political system during the DPP's tenure. He described last year's mass recall campaign targeting opposition lawmakers, initiated by the DPP, as "a political witch hunt", warning that confrontation between the island's executive and legislative branches would take a toll on people's livelihoods. The recall campaign by the DPP sought to oust opposition lawmakers, but ultimately failed to unseat them.

Bao said Lai used the illusory image to mislead Taiwan residents. He pointed out that the DPP authorities have pursued an aggressive military buildup and increased arms spending while neglecting the livelihood and development needs of Taiwan residents, particularly low-income groups.

"Social fairness and equality are being eroded by Lai's authoritarianism and intimidation," he added.