Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian

When asked to comment on Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's recent claims that Japan's colonization of Taiwan was intended to promote the so-called "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere," sparking discontent on the island, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday that the Lai authorities have openly used the lies of invaders to whitewash Japan's colonial rule over the Taiwan region, and this is a grave blasphemy against history and a shameful betrayal of the nation. 

Japan imposed colonial rule on China's Taiwan region for as long as half a century, brutally suppressed the resistance of Taiwan compatriots, wantonly plundered various resources, and caused severe damage to Taiwan's economy, culture and people's livelihood. This history of blood and tears brooks no forgetting or distortion, Lin said.

More than 80 years ago, the Taiwan region broke free from the shackles of colonial rule and returned to the embrace of the motherland. This was a great victory forged through the bloody struggles of all Chinese people, including the Taiwan compatriots, Lin said.

"Such remarks have once again exposed Lai's true nature: currying favor with Japan, selling out Taiwan, and engaging in 'Taiwan independence' provocations," the spokesperson added.

"By distorting history and whitewashing colonial atrocities, the Lai authorities seek to obstruct the great trend of national reunification with their 'Taiwan independence' historical narrative. They will only bring about their own destruction," Lin said.

Global Times