The Lai Ching-te authorities' attempts to obstruct the great trend of national reunification with their "Taiwan independence" historical narrative will only lead to their own demise, China said on Wednesday.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a routine press conference in Beijing when asked to comment on Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's recent claims that Japan's colonization of Taiwan was intended to promote the so-called "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere."
The Lai authorities openly use the false narrative of Japanese aggressors to whitewash Japan's colonial rule, which is a grave affront to history and a despicable betrayal of the nation, said Lin at a routine press conference in Beijing.
Japan imposed colonial rule over Taiwan island for half a century, during which it brutally suppressed the resistance of compatriots in Taiwan and plundered resources extensively, causing severe damage to Taiwan's economy, culture, and people's livelihoods, Lin said.
This history filled with blood shall never be forgotten nor distorted, Lin added.
More than 80 years ago, Taiwan was restored to its motherland. This was a great victory forged through the strenuous struggles and tremendous sacrifice of all Chinese people, including compatriots in Taiwan, said Lin.
"We will never ever allow anyone to justify colonialism or reverse history's verdict on aggression," said Lin.
Lin said that Lai's remarks once again exposed Lai's true agenda in selling Taiwan out to ingratiate with Japan and seek "Taiwan independence."
Lin said, "The Lai Ching-te authorities think that they can reverse the process of China's reunification by distorting history, whitewashing colonial atrocities and peddling their 'Taiwan independence' historical narrative. It will only lead to their own demise."
(Compiled by intern Fan Yuting)