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China warns Taiwan following president's inauguration speech

China's Taiwan Affairs Office called Lai Ching-te a “dangerous separatist” in his inaugural address.

Beijing has issued a warning to Taiwan following the inauguration speech of President Lai Ching-te. In his address, President Lai reiterated his government's stance on sovereignty and did not acknowledge Beijing's claim that Taiwan is a province of China. As a result, Beijing has hinted at potential reprisals, although the nature of these actions remains unspecified.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) issued a statement on Tuesday evening, characterizing Lai's speech as a clear admission of advocating for Taiwan's independence. The TAO once again referred to Lai as a "dangerous separatist."

The statement, reportedly made by TAO spokesperson Chen Binhua, emphasized their strong desire for peaceful means to achieve the reunification of the motherland.

"Nevertheless, it is crucial to respond and take action against the DPP authorities for their alleged collaboration with external forces in their pursuit of 'independence' provocations."

Lai assumed office on Monday, assuming the leadership position from his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen, whom he had previously served as vice-president. Beijing's reaction to Lai's inauguration speech was anticipated to be negative. The Chinese government asserts that Taiwan is an integral part of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and believes that reunification is an unavoidable outcome. If a president from the DPP, which is Lai's party, gave a speech that didn't fully agree with that position, it would most likely result in an angry response.

Beijing's response on Tuesday received significant coverage in an entire page of China Daily, the national party mouthpiece.

 

An editorial in the Global Times tabloid warned that promoting Taiwan independence would only worsen the already tense situation across the Straits, potentially leading to overconfidence and negative consequences.

Lai's stance on Taiwan independence used to be more assertive than Tsai's, but he has since softened his position and committed to following Tsai's more moderate approach. He aims to uphold the status quo, safeguard Taiwan's sovereignty, and discourage any acts of aggression from China.

His speech largely adhered to that stance, however, several analysts pointed out that it presented a significant divergence in its approach to the handling of cross-strait relations.

Tsai frequently utilized the ambiguities present in the constitution of the Republic of China (Taiwan's official name), specifically regarding the concept of "one China" - a notion that Beijing asserts encompasses Taiwan under the rule of the People's Republic of China - and the definition and handling of both parties involved. Instead of using the names of the two countries, she would frequently mention the "two sides of the Strait."

"During her eight-year tenure, Tsai skillfully utilized this ambiguity to extend a diplomatic gesture towards Beijing," commented Amanda Hsiao, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group. "She repeatedly emphasized that cross-strait affairs would adhere to the ROC constitution, but did not provide further details on the specifics and did not waver from the DPP's stance that the two sides have always been separate."

On the other hand, Lai's speech made it clear by rejecting certain ambiguities. In his statement, he emphasized that according to the constitution, the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other.

According to reports, China has set a goal of achieving military dominance over Taiwan by 2027, coinciding with Lai's first term.

Beijing has employed various tactics in its attempts to exert pressure on Taiwan, such as economic coercion, diplomatic isolation, cognitive warfare, and military activities conducted by its air force, Navy, and Coast Guard. It is anticipated that these actions will persist.

In his speech, Lai emphasized the administration's commitment to strengthening defensive and deterrence measures. He cautioned his people against having any illusions about China.

"As long as China continues to reject the idea of renouncing the use of force against Taiwan, it is crucial for us in Taiwan to recognize that even if we were to fully embrace China's position and relinquish our sovereignty, China's desire to incorporate Taiwan will not magically vanish," he stated.