Illustration: Xia Qing/GT

In his inauguration speech on May 20, Lai Ching-te held high the banner of "democracy, peace and prosperity", covering up the "Taiwan independence" plot behind it. He tried to emphasize Taiwan's "democratic achievements" and "international status" to hollow out the international consensus that "Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory." This is not only a distortion of history, but also a distortion of facts, challenging international rules. In the "Four Pillars of Peace action plan," Lai tries to pave the way for "Taiwan independence" under the guise of "peace." In essence, he is placing Taiwan in the "center stage of the storm" of potential conflicts, posing a serious threat to world peace.

The intense turbulence in the Taiwan Straits caused by former US house speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in 2022 shows that the mainland regards the Taiwan question as the core of its core interests. It will take decisive measures and necessary means to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity against any provocative behavior. Pelosi's visit to Taiwan triggered a series of military and diplomatic countermeasures from the mainland, which fully proves that any external intervention forces and "Taiwan independence" separatist forces must not underestimate the mainland's firm determination, strong will and strong ability to defend sovereignty, security and development interests.

In response to Lai's rampant "Taiwan independence" provocations in his inauguration speech, the mainland's countermeasures will undoubtedly be more severe. The mainland's countermeasures will be intended to send a clear signal: Any dangerous and provocative behavior will pay a heavy price, and the mainland's countermeasures will definitely make the "Taiwan independence" forces feel real "pain." Lai's "Taiwan independence" remarks are playing with fire, and those who play with fire will be bound to get themselves burned.

It must be pointed out that peaceful reunification has always been the mainland's top priority, but the basis of this option is the "1992 Consensus" and the one-China principle. "Taiwan independence" separatist forces like Lai choose to abandon the "1992 consensus," while external intervention forces attempt to hollow out the one-China principle, challenging the mainland's bottom line. The mainland will inevitably take countermeasures to defend national unity and the intensity will escalate. The strong countermeasures that the mainland is about to take are not only a warning and punishment for the "Taiwan independence" forces, but also a clear declaration to the international community: Manipulating the Taiwan question, attempting to "use Taiwan to contain China," touching China's most sensitive nerves, violating China's core interests, will inevitably suffer a head-on blow. 

Lai should sober up and realize that Taiwan's democracy and prosperity need to be achieved through dialogue and cooperation with the mainland on the basis of respecting history and legal principles, within the framework of one China. Taiwan's "international" status and image should be enhanced by enhancing mutual trust across the Straits and promoting peaceful development of cross-Straits relations. Only by returning to the common political foundation of the "1992 Consensus" can Taiwan's long-term stability be ensured and the well-being of the people on both sides of the Straits be achieved. The Taiwan that the world needs is a peaceful Taiwan that shares prosperity with the world, not one that creates conflicts and divisions. 

Peaceful reunification and the One Country, Two Systems principle offer the best prospects for Taiwan, and any provocations that go against the tide will eventually be eliminated by history. What Lai says cannot change the fact that Taiwan is part of China, nor can it change the basic pattern and direction of cross-Straits relations, and the common desire of compatriots on both sides of the Straits to get closer and closer. The historical trend of the eventual reunification of the motherland cannot be stopped. The complete reunification of the motherland can be achieved and definitely will be achieved.

The author is a commentator on international affairs. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn