China criticizes Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's speech

China's Taiwan Affairs Office has criticized a speech delivered by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te during National Day celebrations. The office stated that the speech “ignores facts, distorts the truth, misleads public opinion, and reveals hidden intentions.”

According to Chinese officials, Lai adhered to “separatist thinking calling for ‘Taiwan independence’” and exaggerated threats from the mainland. The office reaffirmed the “One China” principle, asserting that Taiwan is part of China and that its future must be decided jointly by all Chinese people, including those in Taiwan.

In his address, President Lai stated that while Taiwan values peace, it “will not surrender its freedom” and emphasized the necessity of respecting the right of the Taiwanese people to exist. He noted that strengthening self-defense capabilities is not an act of provocation but a means to ensure dialogue can occur on a basis of equality and dignity.