Observers have warned of “unprecedented danger” to cross-strait relations following Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te’s moves to reinstate military trials and his reference to mainland China as a “hostile” force.
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In comments following a high-level security meeting in Taipei on Thursday, Lai characterised mainland China as a “foreign hostile force” as he underlined the need for stronger measures to tackle what he said were Beijing’s infiltration and subversive efforts “from within us”.
It was the strongest such rhetoric yet from the leader of the ruling, independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) amid spiralling tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
Lai also proposed a series of security measures, including reinstating military trials, setting up a “disclosure mechanism” for officials who visit the mainland, and tightening the residency criteria for individuals from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.
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‘Every bit of strength’: Taiwanese leader William Lai vows to boost island’s defences
‘Every bit of strength’: Taiwanese leader William Lai vows to boost island’s defences
Lai’s announcement, made on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the mainland’s Anti-Secession Law, triggered swift condemnation from Beijing – with its Taiwan Affairs Office warning that he was pushing Taiwan towards “the perilous brink of war” with his “highly provocative” comments.
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The mainland foreign ministry also rebuked the Group of 7 for “interfering in China’s internal affairs” after a joint statement from the bloc on Friday “reiterated their opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion”.