Beijing criticizes Taiwan president’s inaugural speech

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In a sharp critique of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) inaugural address, Chen Binhua (陳斌華), a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO, 國台辦), labeled the speech a "pro-independence monologue" and branded Lai a "traitor to Taiwan's mainstream public opinion" on Tuesday (May 21).

Chen's comments underscored Beijing's disapproval of Lai's stance on Taiwan's sovereignty and independence.

The TAO spokesperson criticized Lai for promoting the notion that "the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country," interpreting it as an advancement of the "two-state theory" and a move towards formal independence.

He reiterated the longstanding position that Taiwan has always been part of China and that the Taiwan issue is purely China's internal affair, not subject to foreign interference. Chen warned that Lai's pro-independence stance and his appeals for external support could render him a "discarded chess piece."

Furthermore, Chen accused Lai of seeking external support by highlighting Taiwan's strategic position and democratic values. He dismissed Lai's comments on "peaceful co-prosperity" as insincere and criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) for obstructing cross-strait exchanges.

Chen concluded by asserting that no matter how Lai positions himself, it will not change the fact that Taiwan is part of China, expressing confidence in eventual unification.

Chen's remarks reflect Beijing's continued opposition to Taiwan's independence and its insistence on the island's integration into China, signaling ongoing tensions between the two sides.