Taiwan’s MAC Rejects China’s Criticism of President Lai’s National Day Speech
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) of Taiwan has dismissed China’s criticism of President Lai Ching-te’s National Day address. MAC condemned China’s attempts to “turn Taiwan into another Hong Kong.” The MAC stated that the Chinese Communist Party views Taiwan as an illegitimate regime and aims to prevent its continued existence. China emphasizes the “one China principle” and the “1992 consensus,” which it interprets as Taiwan being part of China.
Earlier, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) criticized Lai’s speech, calling it a “Taiwan independence manifesto.” TAO spokesman Chen Binhua accused Lai of escalating provocations against the One-China principle and described him as a “Taiwan independence worker” and “peace disruptor.” Chen warned of stronger measures against Taiwan independence forces until national reunification is achieved.
In response to Lai’s speech, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) conducted military drills in the Taiwan Strait, termed “Joint Sword-2024B,” as a warning against Taiwan’s separatist activities. President Lai, in his address, emphasized that Taiwan is not subordinate to China and vowed to protect Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island located in East Asia, near China. It has its own government and operates like an independent country, but China considers it a part of its territory.
MAC -: MAC stands for Mainland Affairs Council. It is a government agency in Taiwan responsible for dealing with issues related to China.
President Lai -: President Lai Ching-te is a political leader in Taiwan. He gave a speech on Taiwan’s National Day, which is a day to celebrate Taiwan’s independence and achievements.
National Day Speech -: A National Day Speech is a special speech given by a country’s leader on its national day, celebrating the country’s history and achievements.
Hong Kong -: Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. It used to be a British colony and has a different system of government compared to mainland China.
One China Principle -: The ‘One China Principle’ is the idea that there is only one China, and Taiwan is a part of it. China uses this principle to claim Taiwan as its territory.
1992 Consensus -: The ‘1992 Consensus’ is an agreement between China and Taiwan that there is only one China, but both sides can interpret what ‘China’ means differently.
Taiwan Affairs Office -: The Taiwan Affairs Office is a part of the Chinese government that deals with issues related to Taiwan.
Taiwan independence manifesto -: A ‘Taiwan independence manifesto’ would be a statement or document that supports Taiwan becoming a completely independent country, separate from China.
Chinese military drills -: Military drills are exercises conducted by the military to practice and prepare for potential conflicts. The Chinese military conducted these drills as a response to President Lai’s speech.
