Zhang Xiaogang Photo:mod.gov.cn

A spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) warned the DPP authorities on Thursday that those who betray the nation and attempt to split the country will inevitably be nailed to the pillar of shame in history.

The remarks were made after Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te said in an interview that Taiwan should "seek peace through strength," reiterated that US-Taiwan relations are "rock solid," and that $40 billion in arms purchases will be pushed forward. The head of Taiwan's defense authority also claimed that the US emphasizes allies sharing defense responsibilities, and that Taiwan needs to continue advancing the "special defense budget" to demonstrate its "determination to defend itself." 

Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the MND, said that the current tensions and instability in the Taiwan Straits stem from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' collusion with external forces to engage in "independence-seeking" provocations. 

Lai's act of unprincipled submission to the US, his reckless militarization, and his escalation of cross-Straits confrontation make him a true "destroyer of peace" and "instigator of conflict," said Zhang, noting that yet now he shamelessly talks about "peace" and arrogantly boasts about "strength" — this is nothing but overestimating himself and deceiving both himself and others.

Zhang said we sternly warn the DPP authorities: the national reunification is an unstoppable trend. A "pawn" will ultimately meet the fate of being abandoned. Those who betray the nation and split the country will inevitably be nailed to the pillar of shame in history.

Global Times