China Warns of Reprisals Against Taiwan Over President Lai’s Inauguration Speech
Beijing has issued a stern warning to Taiwan following President Lai Ching-te’s inauguration speech, where he reiterated his government’s stance on sovereignty, refusing to acknowledge Beijing’s claim of Taiwan as a province of China. In response, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) labeled Lai’s speech as a “downright confession of Taiwan independence” and branded him a “dangerous separatist.”
The TAO spokesperson, Chen Binhua, emphasized the commitment to peaceful reunification but warned of counterattacks and punishment against the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for collaborating with external forces to pursue independence provocations.
President Lai, who succeeded Tsai Ing-wen, has historically stronger views on Taiwan independence. However, he has pledged to maintain Tsai’s moderate policy path, focusing on protecting the status quo and deterring Chinese aggression. Lai’s speech indicated a departure from Tsai’s approach by rejecting some ambiguities in cross-strait relations, explicitly stating that the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other.
China’s reaction reflects its adamant stance on Taiwan’s status and its efforts to pressure Taiwan into accepting annexation, employing various means including economic coercion and military activities. Lai affirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening defense and deterrence measures, cautioning against harboring delusions about China’s intentions.
With tensions escalating between Beijing and Taipei, the prospect of peaceful resolution seems increasingly remote, raising concerns about the stability of cross-strait relations in the foreseeable future.
