Cheng Li-wun, leader of the Chinese Kuomintang Party (KMT) Photo: screenshot from the BCC News Youtube channel

Cheng Li-wun, leader of the Chinese Kuomintang Party (KMT), Taiwan's major opposition party, on Monday sharply criticized Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te for what she described as continuous provocations and erroneous cross-Straits policies, warning that they are driving Taiwan toward the brink of war and burdening the Taiwan people. 

Cheng made the remarks during an interview with Taiwan-based BCC News on Monday morning, as the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command launched the "Justice Mission 2025" exercise in the Taiwan Straits and in areas to the north, southwest, southeast and east of the Taiwan island at the same time.  

During the interview, Cheng said that it is precisely these erroneous cross-Straits policies that are pushing Taiwan toward the brink of war and danger and causing heightened anxiety in the international community, according to und.com. 

She added that Lai has continuously attempted to provoke the mainland and cross red lines, showing no sign of any intent to ease cross-Straits relations or extend an olive branch. 

According to Cheng, the more tense and confrontational the cross-Straits situation becomes, the more it benefits Lai politically, as she claimed he lacks notable political achievements and the ability to solve problems. She said his only recourse is to continually deepen cross-Strait confrontation, using fear and hostility for political mobilization while incessantly seeking out internal enemies on the island.

Cheng said that Lai has irrevocably sealed his own fate. She added that she has long hoped to awaken him and urge him to turn back, yet Lai remains stubbornly determined to follow what she called a dead-end road, thereby burdening all 23 million people in Taiwan into the abyss—a profoundly tragic and lamentable outcome, according to udn.com. 

Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theater Command, said on Monday that with vessels and aircraft approaching the Taiwan Island in close proximity from different directions, troops of multiple services engage in coordinated assaults so as to test their joint operations capabilities. He said the exercise serves as a stern warning against "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and it is a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China's sovereignty and national unity.

Analysts said that the Lai authorities have recently colluded with external forces, purchased large quantities of arms, and undermined peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits. The PLA's organization of a powerful military exercise codenamed "Justice Mission" has a clear target: it is aimed precisely at the actions of "Taiwan independence" separatist forces colluding with external interference forces, and is not directed at the broad masses of Taiwan compatriots. 



Global Times