Taiwan President Tells Xi Jinping to "Abandon the Illusion of Unification"

Poet's Comment "Unification Will Definitely Be Realized"... President Tsai "Will Show Determination to Defend"
Chinese Media Severely Criticize President Tsai's Speech as 'Political Comedy, Daydream'

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] On the 110th anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized "national reunification and rejuvenation," prompting Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to counter with "sovereignty and territorial defense." Xi's speech on the Xinhai Revolution is seen as a warning and a strong message to Taiwan separatists, indicating that cross-strait (China and Taiwan) relations are expected to deteriorate further.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (Photo by Xinhua News Agency)

At the "110th Anniversary of the Founding of the Republic of China (Taiwan) (Double Ten Day, October 10)" event held on the 10th, President Tsai stated, "We will uphold sovereignty and defend our territory," adding, "There must be no illusion that the Taiwanese people will yield to pressure."

This is interpreted as a firm counter to President Xi's statement at the Chinese Xinhai Revolution commemorative ceremony the previous day, where he declared, "The history of complete national reunification is a mission and will undoubtedly be realized." Xi said, "Those who betray the motherland and split the nation have never ended well. They will surely be abandoned by the people and judged by history." He further emphasized, "No one should underestimate the Chinese people's firm determination, will, and strong capability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," targeting the current Taiwanese leadership.

Notably, in his speech, President Xi used the term "national rejuvenation," the political ideology and thought of Sun Yat-sen (the founding father of Taiwan), 25 times. This highlights China's firm support and partnership with Sun Yat-sen, emphasizing the legitimacy of Taiwan's reunification.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen
[Photo by Yonhap News]

President Tsai did not back down. She stressed, "No one will be allowed to force us (Taiwan) to choose the path laid out by China, and we will continue to strengthen our defense and show our determination to defend ourselves." She reiterated Taiwan's independence, stating that the path China offers neither provides a democratic path for Taiwan nor respects the sovereignty of 23 million Taiwanese people.

She added that Taiwan's future must be decided according to the will of the Taiwanese people and that they will resist any annexation or infringement on sovereignty.

Upon the release of President Tsai's speech, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council of China immediately condemned it, stating, "The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of Taiwan is colluding with external forces, recklessly pursuing independence and constantly causing problems," and accused "President Tsai and the DPP leadership of being the greatest threat to stability in the Taiwan Strait." They asserted, "Taiwan is a treasured island of the motherland, and this island belongs to all the Chinese people," claiming that Taiwan's future will be jointly decided by all Chinese people.

Chinese state media also joined in criticizing the Taiwanese leadership. The Global Times dismissed President Tsai's Double Ten Day speech as political comedy and a daydream.

Yang Lixian, a researcher at the Beijing Cross-Strait Relations Research Center, questioned, "Among the 23 million Taiwanese compatriots, how many would really want to go to war with the mainland?" He pointed out that President Tsai should stop the political show aimed at extending her political life.

The Communist Party's official newspaper, the People's Daily, published related articles including President Xi's speech commemorating the 110th anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution on pages 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the June 11 edition, engaging in public opinion mobilization.