Mainland spokesperson urges cross-Strait unity against “Taiwan independence” provocations

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) — A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Friday called on compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to unite and take actions to firmly oppose the “Taiwan independence” provocations and reckless moves of Taiwan authorities led by Lai Ching-te.
Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to a media inquiry about a recent speech by Lai hyping up the so-called “threat” from the mainland and inciting cross-Strait confrontation.
Zhu said the obstinate adherence to “Taiwan independence” by Lai’s authorities poses the greatest threat to peace and stability across the Strait, and is the root cause of the risk of war across the Strait, the deepening divisions within the society in Taiwan and the harm to the interests of the people on the island.
The authorities led by Lai, by fanning up the so-called “threat” from the mainland, are hijacking Taiwan onto their “Taiwan independence” chariot, Zhu said.
This once again exposes their hypocritical and sinister nature of seeking “Taiwan independence” by force and by relying on external forces under a peaceful disguise, Zhu said. ■