Taiwanese business and youth representatives have criticized leader Lai Ching-te's depiction of the mainland as a "hostile external force" and his 17 strategies, claiming they jeopardize democracy and threaten Taiwan's long-term development.
Lai's 17 strategies, which include restrictive measures on mutual visits by Taiwan and mainland residents as well as on cultural, academic and religious exchanges, have been framed as a response to perceived threats facing the island.
In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), two representatives from Taiwan expressed strong opposition to Lai's stance, emphasizing that his policies have instilled fear among the people in Taiwan and are detrimental to its long-term growth.
"Lai Ching-te's designation of the mainland as a 'hostile foreign force' places Taiwan in a dangerous situation and is even more detrimental to its long-term development. How can a region lacking security and stability achieve sustainable growth? This will also negatively impact cross-Strait relations. Taiwan should be relying on the mainland market, and obstructions and restrictive policies will only cause temporary problems; they cannot stop the inevitable trend of deeper cross-Strait integration," said Chien Chun-nan, vice supervisor of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland.
Wang Yu-Ching, an internet influencer from Taiwan, pointed out that Lai's 17 policies have instilled fear in Taiwan. He also criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for suppressing public dissent, saying that such actions directly contradict the principles of democracy.
"Right now, in Taiwan society, after Lai Ching-te said the 17 policies, the people in Taiwan are kind of scared because the green terror is coming into their lives. For example, if a person says "I want reunification for China" in public. What will happen? Lai Ching-te's regime will be using a lot of governmental resources to abuse those people, punish and also they will try to destroy these voices. I think that's really against democracy value," Wang said.
Lai Ching-te's mainland stance sparks criticism from Taiwan's business, youth leaders
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
