As Tuesday marked the first anniversary of Lai Ching-te's tenure as the leader of China's Taiwan region, a current affairs commentator on the island voiced dissatisfaction with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, citing incompetence in managing cross-Strait relations and addressing people's livelihood.
On May 20, Lai delivered a speech where he summarized what he characterized as the DPP's achievements across various domains over the past year. However, commentator Lai Yueh-chien believes that this is just self-boasting.
"He boasts about himself. If you look at what he says, no specific figures are provided. How much has the economy grown? How much has per capita income increased? How much has public security in Taiwan improved? The problem is that a lot of money has been spent, but there has been no progress at all. The vast majority of the people are dissatisfied with him. So, if you ask me to give a score to his performance, it would be a fail," said Lai Yueh-chien.
Over the past year, Lai has stubbornly sought a separatist stance, taken a wrong path of splitting the nation through soliciting external support or resorting to force, and incited cross-Strait confrontation to undermine cross-Strait peace and stability, triggering strong opposition from the people on the island.
"Why are spouses from the mainland forced to be separated from their families? Why can't people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait have normal exchanges nowadays? Why has Taiwan been placed in such a situation and why have cross-Strait relations been made so tense? I believe these are where the public is most dissatisfied with him (Lai Ching-te)," said the commentator.
Recent public opinion surveys regarding Lai's governance have shown widespread dissatisfaction. Public opinion of the island believes that an increasing number of individuals will become disillusioned with him if Lai Ching-te continues to persist in prioritizing political struggles over economic development and people's well-being, and keeps undermining cross-strait relations and creating crises.
Taiwan public voices dissatisfaction with Lai's incompetence
The U.S. military strike against Venezuela and capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, has shocked the international community, triggering a steady stream of condemnation and serious concerns worldwide.
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Spain issued a joint statement on Sunday, expressing serious concern about and firm opposition to the U.S. unilateral military operations in Venezuela.
The U.S. actions contravene fundamental principles of international law, particularly the prohibition on the use or threat of force, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, as enshrined in the UN Charter, constituting an extremely dangerous precedent against peace and regional security, according to the statement.
In expressing profound concern and firm rejection, the six countries stressed in the statement that the situation in Venezuela must be resolved exclusively by peaceful means, and through dialogue, negotiation and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people in all its expressions, without external interference and in accordance with international law.
Only an inclusive political process, led by Venezuelans, can lead to a democratic, sustainable solution that respects human dignity, according to the statement.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the U.S. raid in Venezuela as a violation of international law, adding that the Spanish government always advocates and defends international law and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Addressing a meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez demanded the unconditional and immediate release of Maduro and his wife.
Noting that Latin America and the Caribbean are a zone of peace, he expressed his firm opposition to the use of force, which is an unshakable principle.
Any aggression against Venezuela shall be regarded as an attack against all CELAC member states, and nations must collectively oppose it, he stressed.
The South African government denounced the U.S. attack on Venezuela as a violation of international law, according to a statement released on Sunday.
History has repeatedly demonstrated that military invasions against sovereign states yield only instability and deepening crisis, the statement said.
South Africa calls on the UN Security Council to urgently convene a session to address this situation, according to the statement.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said what happened in Venezuela demonstrates that international law and the UN Charter are losing their practical effectiveness.
U.S. military action against Venezuela marks a dangerous precedent, as similar actions could be taken against any other nations, he said.
In addition, the foreign ministries of Namibia, Singapore, Oman and Pakistan also issued statements on the same day, expressing grave concern over U.S. interference in Venezuela's internal affairs.
They emphasized the need to uphold international law and the principles of the UN Charter while respecting Venezuela's sovereignty.
They also called on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve the crisis through peaceful dialogue.
U.S. move against Venezuela sparks condemnation, concerns worldwide
