Published: 09:49, October 9, 2024
Mainland slams Taiwan leader's latest 'motherland fallacy'
By Xinhua
This July 11, 2019 photo shows the scenic spot of Riyue Tan, or the Sun Moon Lake, in Nantou county, Southeast China's Taiwan. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BEIJING - A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Tuesday slammed Taiwan's leader Lai Ching-te for his recent "motherland fallacy", reiterating that Taiwan is part of the sacred territory of China.

Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to a media inquiry about Lai's claim that "in terms of age, it is impossible for the People's Republic of China to be the motherland of the people of the Republic of China." Lai's fallacy has sparked criticism from various sectors in Taiwan.

Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, speaks at a press conference, in Beijing, Sept 25, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

On Oct 1, 1949, the People's Republic of China was founded, replacing the Republic of China, and the PRC Central People's Government became the only legitimate government of the whole of China, said Zhu.

This was a replacement of the previous political power by a new one in a situation where China, as a subject under international law, had not changed, and China's sovereignty and inherent territory had not changed, the spokesperson said.

ALSO READ: Cross-Strait relations strain after 'pro-independence' stance

"As a natural result, the government of the PRC enjoys and exercises China's full sovereignty, which includes its sovereignty over Taiwan," she said.

The fact that the mainland and Taiwan both belong to one China has never changed and will never be allowed to change, she added.

READ MORE: China promotes fair, efficient resolution of international commercial disputes

'Taiwan independence' opposed

China firmly opposes anyone who seeks "Taiwan independence" visiting countries with diplomatic ties with China under any pretext, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responses to members of media during the regular press conference on Oct 8, 2024. (PHOTO / CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY) 

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks in response to the news that Tsai Ing-wen, former leader of the Taiwan region, will reportedly visit the Czech Republic this month.

Mao noted that China's position on the Taiwan question is consistent and clear.

ALSO READ: Mainland calls on US to stop arming Taiwan region

"We firmly oppose anyone who seeks 'Taiwan independence' visiting countries with diplomatic ties with China under any pretext," she said.

"We urge the Czech Republic and relevant countries to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and not to provide facilitation for 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces in any form or do things that harm bilateral relations with China," Mao said.