China Responds to Tsai's National Day Speech|蔡總統國慶"4不會" 中方反嗆圖謀分裂

President Tsai Ing-wen accused China of destroying cross-strait peace in her National Day speech on Oct.10, and emphasized that Taiwan will never surrender. China's Taiwan Affairs Office, in response, said the speech was fraught with the "two Chinas" separatist fallacy and confrontational thinking, and added that any attempt at separatism is doomed to fail.


We will neither act rashly to escalate confrontation, nor will we give in.

President Tsai Ing-wen devoted a portion of her National Day speech to criticizing China for its actions against Taiwan. She said Taiwan will not do four things, and also quoted American Vice President Mike Pence and praised Japan and the European Parliament in her speech. The Taiwan Affairs Office responded immediately, saying Tsai's speech was fraught with the "two Chinas" separatist fallacy and confrontational thinking. It described the speech as hostile and provoking, saying it further proves that the Democratic Progressive Party is the creator of cross-strait conflicts and the destroyer of peace and stability in the area. Moreover, any separatist attempt that relies on foreigners to build itself up, intensify antagonism, damage cross-strait relations or change Taiwan's status is doomed to fail.

The Taiwan Affairs Office needs to reflect on its shortcomings and its insensitive criticism. We are deeply dissatisfied and disappointed. Both the international community and Taiwan believe China and the Chinese Communist Party is the biggest threat to and source of the destruction of peace and international order in the Taiwan Strait.

The Mainland Affairs Council responded with its own criticism and denounced Chinese pressure and attempts to split Taiwan, saying Taiwan's sovereignty has been harmed. Meanwhile, scholars say Tsai's repeated use of the phrase "Republic of China, Taiwan" in her speech was an attempt to find the highest common factor between supporters and opponents of independence, as well as an attempt to inform Beijing of her cross-strait policies. This shows Tsai is trying to make changes, although this won't be by provoking confrontation.

You can't rashly believe President Tsai Ing-wen's use of the wording "Republic of China, Taiwan" is a cross-strait doctrine. First, this was very irresponsible wording. Second, it overlooks the opportunity for substantial shifts to the cross-strait relationship that exist under these interpretations.

Scholars say China's decision to use sharp words to respond on the evening of National Day, in contrast to years past when it responded several days later, shows the influence of hawks within China is expanding. They believe Taiwan can easily be used as a national issue ATM machine, and this highlights the internal challenges of the Xi Jinping regime.