A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Tuesday slammed recent remarks made by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te and reiterated the one-China principle.
Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, responded in a regular press briefing to a question about Lai's recent statement about the so-called sovereignty and statehood of Taiwan.
"There is only one China in the world; Taiwan is part of China. It is the real status quo across the Taiwan Strait. It is a historical and legal fact that cannot be tampered with, representing a prevailing consensus among the international community. No one and no force can distort or shatter it. Taiwan has never been a country and will never be a country," Chen said.
"Lai Ching-te once again propagated separatist propositions for 'Taiwan independence', rehashing the 'Taiwan independence' narrative in a clumsy distortion of facts and trampling on the national sentiments of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The remarks fully reveal Lai's ignorance of the historical and legal facts and interests and wellbeing of Taiwan compatriots," Chen said.
"What he has done would only escalate tensions, hurt peace and stability in the region, and bring grave disasters to the Taiwan compatriots. We believe that the vast majority of our Taiwan compatriots can have a clear understanding of the fact without being influenced and coerced by his remarks," he said.
China mainland slams Taiwan leader's separatist narrative, reaffirms one-China principle
