China condemns Taiwan's leader for pursuing independence during national day speech: Video
China has condemned Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te, accusing him of being "hell-bent" on pushing for the island's independence.
The remarks from China's foreign ministry came after Lai's National Day speech, in which he emphasised resisting "annexation" and reiterated Taiwan's sovereignty.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning criticised Lai for allegedly manipulating historical ties between Taiwan and China, stating his comments sought to fuel tensions across the Taiwan Strait. "Lai Ching-te's speech... once again exposed his position on Taiwan independence and his intention to escalate tensions for political gain," Mao said.
"Lai Ching-te's speech arbitrarily severed the historical connection between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, rehashed his arguments on neither side being subordinate to the other and his insistence on sovereignty, and changed up all manner of tactics to peddle the fantasy of Taiwan independence,” she added.
Lai's strong stance on Taiwan's autonomy comes as relations between China and Taiwan remain strained, with Beijing viewing Taiwan as a breakaway province, while the island considers itself self-governing.
