Taipei: Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te warned Thursday that Taiwan and Europe are facing 'the threat of a new authoritarian bloc,' citing increasing interference, disinformation campaigns, and economic coercion, according to a statement from his office. Lai made the remarks in a speech commemorating the Allied victory in World War II - the first time Taiwan formally observed the occasion.
According to Anadolu Agency, Lai highlighted concerns about the sabotage of undersea cables crucial for communications and cybersecurity, as well as efforts to disrupt Taiwan's democratic process. He pointed to external interference in elections through misinformation and disinformation, which he said sows division in society. Additionally, Lai noted that Taiwan's international markets are being challenged by gray-zone activities, including dumping and economic pressures.
Lai further emphasized the unjust nature of military aggression, stating that it is bound to fail. He asserted that those who unite to defend their homelands, freedom, and democracy will ultimately emerge victorious.
The remarks come amid scrutiny of China-Russia ties, as Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Russia to commemorate the Soviet Union's victory in World War II. China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian criticized Lai's comments, accusing them of masking a separatist agenda and reiterating that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory.
Xi Jinping, in an article in the Russian Gazette, reinforced the notion of "China's ultimate and inevitable reunification" with Taiwan, a stance Taiwan's Foreign Ministry called a "deliberate attempt to deceive the international community."
Taiwan has maintained its independence since 1949, despite China's view of it as a breakaway province. In a related development, opposition party Kuomintang head Eric Chu likened Lai's recent actions against the opposition to those of Adolf Hitler, referencing a crackdown on the alleged forgery of signatures used in recall petitions against ruling party legislators.