Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson of Taiwan Affairs Office of State Council Photo: Taiwan Affairs Office of State Council

 
In response to recent erroneous remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan question, figures in the island including Ma Ying-jeou and Hung Hsiu-chu have expressed deep concern over Takaichi's reckless comments, stressing that "cross-Straits issues cannot be handled by foreign forces, but must be resolved by the two sides of the Straits themselves." Commenting on such voices, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson of Taiwan Affairs Office of State Council, said that the mainland has noted the voices from relevant individuals on the island. She said that the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese people and should—and can only—be resolved by both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

Takaichi's blatant, provocative remarks on Taiwan island constitute a gross interference in China's internal affairs. We firmly oppose and will never tolerate this, said Zhu, noting that "Should Japan dare to intervene in Taiwan question, we will strike back head-on and completely crush any attempt at aggression."

Zhu said that the mainland hopes the broad masses of Taiwan compatriots will stand on the right side of history, identify themselves proudly as Chinese, distinguish right from wrong, act with righteousness, and join compatriots on the mainland in resolutely opposing "Taiwan independence" separatism and external interference, firmly safeguarding the shared home of the Chinese nation, and working together for national reunification and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Global Times