Condoning separatist forces means stocking flames in the Taiwan Straits. Cartoon:Carlos Latuff

Since the inauguration of Taiwan's regional leader Lai Ching-te, his words and actions have increasingly revealed the true nature of the so-called "pragmatic Taiwan independence worker" - someone who, under the guise of maintaining peace, is actually a "pragmatic war instigator," continuously mobilizing society and shaping public opinion for "Taiwan independence." In his so-called "Double Ten" speech on Thursday, Lai continued to make provocative statements, such as "the Republic of China has already put down roots in Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. And the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other," as well as "the People's Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan."

Former Taiwan regional leader Ma Ying-jeou reportedly decided to cancel his attendance at an event celebrating Taiwan's "national day" on Thursday, stating that he should have attended but chose not to because of Lai's advocacy of the "two states" theory. Ma argued that Lai's pursuit of a separatist path seriously violates the "constitutional provisions" of the island and could lead Taiwan's 23 million people into peril.

After Lai took office, he continuously promoted the separatist fallacy of "Taiwan independence," asserting that "the two sides of the Taiwan Straits are not subordinate to each other." Through means such as revising textbooks and historical narratives, he attempted to sever the connection between Taiwan and the mainland at its roots. In his speech, he displayed a so-called "soft posture," appearing to use mild language; however, he was, in reality, cleverly peddling the "two states" theory, which is more deceptive and confusing, and carries a stronger provocative undertone. Lai's stubborn promotion of the new "two states" theory has severely escalated tensions across the Taiwan Straits, seriously jeopardized the well-being of Taiwan residents, and significantly undermined peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits.

A report by AFP on October 10 said that "Lai has been more outspoken than his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen," "angering Beijing, which calls him a "separatist." In fact, Lai's remarks and actions attempt to rally "Taiwan independence" forces by inciting "anti-China" sentiment within the island, creating a so-called public opinion foundation for future "Taiwan independence" actions. At the same time, he is scheming to piece together "justifications" for splitting the country, aiming to confuse the international community and internationalize the Taiwan question. 

In the current era of globalization, peace and development are the mainstream; any actions that undermine peace and stability will be condemned by the international community. Lai's so-called "pragmatic Taiwan independence" line cannot conceal his hypocritical pursuit of separation and insidious nature, posing a serious challenge to the international order reshaped after World War II and a significant threat to regional and even global security.

Different systems are not a barrier to unification, nor are they an excuse for division. Taiwan's future lies in national unification, and the well-being of the Taiwan residents is tied to national rejuvenation. No matter what Lai says, it cannot change the legal status of Taiwan as part of China or the reality that both sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to one China. In response to Lai's dangerous provocations, the mainland will resolutely counter and punish them. Any attempt to split the country or undermine peace and stability is destined to fail. The international community should jointly uphold the one-China principle and oppose any form of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities to ensure regional peace and stability. At the same time, we hope that the Taiwan compatriots can see the situation clearly, work together to safeguard the hard-won peace, and create a bright future for cross-Straits relations.