Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council

In response to a question saying Lai Ching-te's offering of zero tariffs against the US and companies in the island will raise their US investments, rather than imposing reciprocal measures, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday that in order to pursue "independence," the Lai Ching-te authorities have actively sold off Taiwan's core advantageous industries, only to be met with the US imposition of high tariffs on the island. This has shattered the illusion of the fabricated concept of "US-Taiwan relationship," turning Taiwan from a "pawn" into a "discarded piece."

The Lai authorities disregard the interests of the people and the prospects for industrial development, proposing a "large procurement and investment plan" to appease the US, which is seen as obsequious "turning of the other cheek." This kind of groveling to the US and selling out of Taiwan is deeply contemptible, Zhu said. 

The media question noted that the US announced a 145 percent tariff on the mainland. Despite TSMC's commitment to invest an additional $100 billion in the US, the US still declared a 32 percent tariff on the island of Taiwan, causing an uproar across various sectors on the island. Critics have condemned the DPP authorities for boasting about their "rock-solid" relationship with the US, only to face "betrayal."

Lai Ching-te offered zero tariffs as the basis for talks with the US, pledging to remove trade barriers rather than imposing reciprocal measures and saying Taiwanese companies will raise their US investments, Reuters reported. Lai has been criticized for "surrendering to the US" and "hollowing out Taiwan."

Zhu responded that in the face of the US' excessive imposition of tariffs and its unilateral provocation of a global trade war, the mainland promptly implemented necessary countermeasures. This is not only to safeguard our legitimate rights and interests but also to defend international trade rules and uphold international fairness and justice, Zhu said.

Zhu continued that the mainland's firm stance and decisive actions have received widespread recognition and support from the international community, with many countries choosing to stand with China in opposing US bullying and hegemony. She noted that public opinion and netizens on the island have praised the determination and confidence demonstrated by the mainland in its response.

As long as peace prevails across the Taiwan Straits and compatriots remain united, the Chinese nation can grow stronger economically, collectively resist external risks, and create a great cause of national rejuvenation that allows people on both sides of the Straits to hold their heads high, the spokesperson said.

Global Times