Jiang Bin Photo: China's Ministry of National Defense
China's Ministry of National Defense on Thursday strongly criticized Taiwan's regional leader Lai Ching-te, who claimed that "Taiwan and Europe now face threats from a new authoritarian bloc." The ministry's spokesperson said that Lai distorted WWII history and spread deceitful rhetoric.
Lai made the remarks during a recent event commemorating the "80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe" at the Taipei Guest House — a former Japanese governor's residence during the island's colonial era.
The ministry's new spokesperson Jiang Bin said at a press conference on Thursday that Lai has been engaging in authoritarian rule and "green terror" on the island, inciting cross-Straits confrontation and causing tension and instability in the Taiwan Straits.
He called Lai a thorough "saboteur of cross-Straits peace" and a "creator of crisis in the Taiwan Straits." In a bid to gain attention and boost his presence, Lai shamelessly stood at a site once trampled by Japanese invaders, spreading deceitful and self-serving rhetoric, distorting the history of WWII, embedding pro-independence messages, and betraying the Chinese nation — a shameful act.
The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery from Japanese occupation, Jiang said. The return of Taiwan to China is an integral part of the victory outcomes of World War II and the postwar international order. A series of documents with binding international legal authority, including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, affirmed China's sovereignty over Taiwan. These historical and legal facts are beyond dispute, Jiang said, noting that the trend toward China's reunification is unstoppable.
Any attempt to seek independence by relying on foreign powers, or to forget one's roots, will be condemned by the people and judged by history, the spokesperson said.
