Beijing Rejects Taiwan Leader's Rhetoric Following DPP Congress Speech

Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office sharply criticized Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te on July 22 following his address at the Democratic Progressive Party national congress. TAO spokesperson Zhang Han rejected Lai's claim that the two sides of the Strait are 'not subordinate to each other,' accusing him of escalating political confrontation and challenging the one-China principle. Beijing reiterated its position that DPP authorities are eroding cross-Strait stability through separatist rhetoric and foreign reliance.

The Taiwan Affairs Office's sharp rejection of Lai Ching-te's statements underscores Beijing's strict enforcement of the one-China principle as a core political red line, highlighting ongoing cross-Strait political tensions and risk management.

Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) issued a stern official response on July 22, 2026, condemning remarks made by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te at the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) national congress and accusing the DPP leadership of destabilizing cross-Strait relations. The confrontation followed the DPP national congress held on July 19, where Lai, who serves concurrently as Taiwan's leader and DPP chairman, delivered an address asserting that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are "not subordinate to each other." During his speech, Lai highlighted security concerns regarding Mainland China and stated that "Democratic Taiwan" must not be turned into "China's Taiwan." At a routine press conference in Beijing on July 22, TAO spokesperson Zhang Han firmly rejected Lai's characterization, describing his speech as filled with hostility, confrontation, and falsehoods. Zhang stated that Lai's statements completely stripped away his previous pretenses, exposing an unyielding commitment to Taiwan independence and radical provocation. The spokesperson characterized Lai and the ruling party as the primary source of disruption to peace across the Taiwan Strait, designating them as "peace breakers," "troublemakers," and "war provocateurs." Spokesperson Zhang pointed out that the DPP has historically followed a path of cross-Strait separation, repeatedly attempting to challenge the one-China principle and alter the status quo that both sides belong to one China. Over recent years, Zhang noted, the Taiwan authorities have increasingly relied on foreign backing and military buildup to pursue independence, causing growing volatility in the region. The TAO spokesperson also criticized Lai's domestic governance, claiming that while his administration talks about democratic values, it has engaged in political suppression, restricted freedom of speech, and penalized forces advocating for cross-Strait exchange. Zhang asserted that these actions directly harm the rights of Taiwan residents seeking normal cooperation across the Strait.