An episode of "Unraveling the Vanishing Mystery of the 34th Division," a documentary series by China Global Television Network (CGTN), tells the story of the 34th Division of the Fifth Army Corps, which fought a fierce rear-guard action against pursuing Kuomintang forces during the Long March.
In November 1934, the Battle of the Xiangjiang River took place in southern China. About 86,000 members of the Central Red Army participated in the battle. Only about 30,000 remained. This was one of the most brutal battles on the Long March.
But the Red Army broke through the blockade of the Kuomintang forces and continued its westward advance. This battle ultimately paved the way for the historic 1935 Zunyi Conference and became an important turning point in the Long March.
CGTN documentary unravels vanishing mystery of 34th Division during Long March
A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Saturday criticized Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te for clinging to a secessionist mindset, provoking confrontation, and undermining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Zhang Han, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to a media question about Lai's speech delivered in Taipei earlier in the day.
Lai Ching-te's Saturday speech ignored facts and misrepresented truths, attempting to mislead the public with evil intentions, said the spokesperson, noting that Lai clung to a secessionist mindset, peddled the so-called "mainland threat" and "democracy vs. authoritarianism" narrative, and attempted to seek secession through military buildup and soliciting foreign support, provoke antagonism and confrontation across the Taiwan Strait, and undermine peace and stability.
"There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is part of China. That is the real status quo in the Taiwan Strait. The one-China principle is a basic norm governing international relations, a prevailing consensus in the international community, and an important part of the international order established after World War II. The future of Taiwan can only be and must be jointly decided by all Chinese people including Taiwan compatriots", said the spokesperson.
"We will uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, widely unite Taiwan compatriots from all walks of life, resolutely fight against separatist forces, oppose external interference, and safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. We will stick to the idea that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are of the same family, deepen exchanges and cooperation across the Strait, promote peaceful cross-Strait relations and integrated development, and advance the cause of national reunification and the great cause of national rejuvenation," the spokesperson said.
Mainland slams Lai Ching-te's secessionist narrative
