Mainland criticizes Taiwan leader's policies as public dissatisfaction grows

A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday condemned Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's actions over the past two years, claiming they undermine the interests and well-being of the people in Taiwan and lead to increasing public dissatisfaction.

Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, stated at a regular news conference that since taking office in 2024, Lai has persistently adhered to a "Taiwan independence" stance, promoting separatist ideologies and deliberately obstructing cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation.

Zhu accused the Lai authorities of inciting cross-Strait confrontation by fabricating a narrative of "democracy versus authoritarianism" under the guise of "democracy" and "peace". She criticized efforts to decouple cross-Strait trade and sever industrial and supply chains, arguing these moves ignore public welfare and economic realities to serve the Democratic Progressive Party's political agenda.

Zhu further alleged that Lai authorities has misused Taiwan's judicial system to suppress political opponents and orchestrated political infighting. She also criticized the authorities for wasting public resources and seeking foreign support and military means to pursue "Taiwan independence".

Her remarks coincided with a recent poll by Taiwan-based TVBS, which showed 45 percent of respondents dissatisfied with Lai's performance, compared to 38 percent who were satisfied. Looking forward, 51 percent expressed no confidence in Lai's future performance, while 41 percent remained confident.

"The Lai authorities' regressive actions have seriously diverged from mainstream public opinion in Taiwan, which favors peace, development, exchanges, and cooperation," Zhu said, adding that these actions have severely undermined cross-Strait peace and stability and pushed Taiwan toward the risk of military conflict.

On Tuesday, an impeachment vote was held in Taiwan's "legislative yuan" on the eve of the second anniversary of Lai's term — the first such vote targeting a Taiwan leader. Although the motion failed, opposition parties claimed it reflected public dissatisfaction with Lai.

"The Lai authorities are incapable of governing but highly adept at political infighting," Zhu remarked, asserting that the impeachment proposal highlighted deep dissatisfaction among the Taiwan public.

Reaffirming that "Taiwan independence" is a dead end and confrontation leads nowhere, Zhu concluded that China's reunification remains an unstoppable historical trend.