Beijing/Taipei: A renewed war of words erupted between China and Taiwan on Tuesday, as both sides traded sharply contrasting views on their historical narratives and sovereignty claims, with Beijing insisting that Taiwan cannot be “invaded” because it is already part of China.
Beijing, which claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory, has intensified political and military pressure on the island in recent years. Its criticism has grown especially fierce under President Lai Ching-te, whom Chinese officials denounce as a staunch pro-independence figure.
Since Sunday, Lai has delivered two of a planned 10-part speech series titled “Uniting the Country,” during which he asserted that Taiwan is “naturally a country,” and rejected any legal or historical justification for China’s claim over the island.
Responding at a regular news conference, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, warned that Lai’s actions and rhetoric would trigger “resolute countermeasures.”
“Though full reunification has not yet occurred, the fact remains unchanged that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese and belong to one China,” Zhu stated.
The growing strain has been accompanied by an uptick in Chinese military activity near Taiwan, including war games and routine air and naval maneuvers. Taiwan’s defence ministry reports frequent incursions by dozens of Chinese military aircraft.
When asked about American concerns that China’s drills may signal preparations for an eventual invasion, Zhu dismissed the premise. “Taiwan is part of China. There's no such thing as an invasion,” she asserted.
President Lai, however, doubled down on his position in a speech Tuesday night, declaring that Taiwan’s destiny must be decided democratically by its people—not imposed by any regime or leader.
He emphasized that Taiwan’s status as a separate entity predates the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), citing the history of the Republic of China (ROC), which relocated to the island in 1949 after the civil war.
“The Republic of China is 113 years old, soon to be 114. The PRC? Barely 70 years. The facts are clear,” Lai said.
Historical disputes have resurfaced ahead of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two. Beijing has controversially invited veterans of the ROC army—who fought against Japan—to a parade in September. Taiwan’s government opposes the move.
Defence Minister Wellington Koo accused Beijing of distorting historical facts: “The war against Japan was led and won by the Republic of China, not the PRC. That is beyond dispute,” he said while addressing lawmakers in Taipei.
The heated exchange underscores deepening divisions as both sides vie for international sympathy and legitimacy—each clinging to differing interpretations of the past to shape the political future.
