China Labels Taiwan President Lai Ching-te a ‘War Instigator’

China Accuses Taiwan’s President of Being a ‘War Instigator’

Beijing sharply criticized Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te on Thursday, labeling him a “war instigator” following an interview where he warned that a Chinese takeover of the self-governed island could lead to broader regional aggression.

In an interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP), his first with a global news agency since assuming office in May 2024, Lai stated that if China were to successfully seize control of Taiwan, Beijing would likely become “more aggressive” and could turn its attention towards countries such as Japan and the Philippines, as well as others in the Indo-Pacific region.

China’s foreign ministry swiftly responded, accusing Lai of deliberately provoking confrontation. Spokesman Lin Jian stated at a regular news conference, “Lai Ching-te’s remarks once again exposed his stubborn pro-independence nature, fully proving that he is a peace disruptor, crisis creator, and war instigator.”

Lin reiterated Beijing’s long-held position that Taiwan is an integral part of China, asserting, “No matter what Lai Ching-te says or does, it cannot change the historical and legal fact that Taiwan is part of China’s territory.” China has consistently threatened the use of force should it deem necessary to bring Taiwan under its control.

Taiwan has been actively working to strengthen its security and economic ties with Europe, its third-largest export market, particularly amid questions regarding the United States’ commitment to defending the island against potential Chinese aggression. During his AFP interview, Lai called for increased cooperation between Taiwan and Europe in the areas of defense and artificial intelligence.

Lai also indicated that Taipei would support its semiconductor companies in pursuing overseas investments, including opportunities within Europe. Taiwan is a dominant force in the production of advanced semiconductors, manufacturing nearly all of the world’s most cutting-edge chips.

Lin Jian dismissed the prospect of external support bolstering Taiwan’s defenses, stating, “Seeking independence by relying on foreign support and using force to refuse reunification are acts of sheer folly, and doomed to fail.”

Despite significant investment in its military over the past decade, Taiwan continues to seek further enhancements to its defense capabilities. The United States has also urged Taiwan’s semiconductor manufacturers to expand production capacity within the U.S.