Politics · China · 15 hrs ago
China criticizes Taiwan leader's National Day speech
Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te gave a speech in Taipei on October 10 that included remarks about relations between Taiwan and mainland China.
China's Taiwan Affairs Office responded by accusing Lai of promoting independence and portraying mainland China as a threat.
The office said his remarks could increase confrontation and harm peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Beijing maintains that Taiwan is part of China, a position that Taiwan's future should be decided by all Chinese people.
The office said China would oppose Taiwan independence and what it called outside interference.
It also said it would pursue exchanges and cooperation between people on both sides.
The statement did not outline any specific next steps beyond those commitments.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office criticized remarks by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te about cross-strait relations.
Spokesperson Zhang Han said Lai’s remarks distorted facts and encouraged confrontation across the Taiwan Strait.
Zhang said Taiwan is part of China and that its future must be decided by all Chinese people, including people in Taiwan.
She said Beijing would uphold the one-China principle, oppose “Taiwan independence” and foreign interference, and promote cross-strait exchanges.
- Who
- Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhang Han criticized Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te’s remarks.
- What
- Zhang condemned Lai’s comments on cross-strait relations and said they threatened peace and stability.
- When
- October 10, 2026.
- Where
- Lai delivered the speech in Taipei; Zhang responded from Beijing.
- Why
- Zhang said Lai’s remarks promoted “Taiwan independence,” portrayed mainland China as a threat and stirred confrontation.
Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office
Cross-strait remarks
Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te
Zhang said Lai’s speech promoted “Taiwan independence,” portrayed mainland China as a threat and encouraged confrontation.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office
Lai’s speech was described by Zhang as invoking a “democracy versus authoritarianism” narrative.
The one-China principle is a basic norm of international relations and a prevailing consensus in the international community.
Taiwan’s future can only and must be decided jointly by all Chinese people, including our Taiwan compatriots.
Lai delivered his speech in Taipei.
Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhang Han responded to the cross-strait remarks in the speech.
- Speaker criticized
- Lai Ching-te
- Responding official
- Zhang Han, Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson
- Speech location
- Taipei
- Response location
- Beijing
- Response date
- October 10, 2026
Sources
Related news
Former Wuhan mayor Zhou Xianwang sentenced to 14 years for corruption
Guangdong steps up AI push, with Tencent expected to help
An authoritative explanation addresses locally tailored development of new productive forces
Guangdong governor meets Apple’s Tim Cook to discuss expanding cooperation
Musical in Chongqing retells China’s 1938 Yichang evacuation
Agriculture-themed youth event opens at Shandong Agricultural University
China criticizes Lai’s speech and defends military drills near Taiwan
China Seeks Public Comment on Draft Food Safety Law Changes
Zhangzhou university library preserves records linking families across the Taiwan Strait
Several Chinese cities expand housing fund withdrawals
Page headline refers to Xi Jinping and health workers