TAIPEI, May 21 (Xinhua) — The speech by Lai Ching-de, who was sworn in as the region's new leader on Monday, elicited disappointment and anxiety from Taiwan's wide range of commentators.
The Cross-Strait Peace and Development Forum said in a statement that Lai's speech was full of misconceptions about Taiwan's history and legal status, and clarified Lai's position as a “pragmatic activist for Taiwan's independence.” said.
Hong Xiuzhu, former chairman of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), described the speech as “full of lies from the beginning” and said Lai and his team were unreliable and cannot be trusted.
KMT Chairman Eric Chu said at a press conference that he was surprised to see Lai mention the “two-state” theory when talking about cross-strait relations. Mr. Chu expressed his concerns about the future of cross-Strait relations.
A spokesperson for the new party told reporters that Lai's speech appealed to pursuing political confrontation, which was contrary to the expectations of the majority of Taiwanese people.
Taipei's Observer reported that Mr. Lai openly thanked the United States for its “military aid” and made it clear that the new Democratic Progressive Party (Democratic Progressive Party) authorities intended to continue seeking American support for their independence policy. Ta.
A recent poll conducted by Taiwan-based news channel TVBS found that 53 percent of the public lack confidence in the New Democratic Progressive Party authorities' ability to properly handle cross-strait relations.
The Taiwan-based Chinese-language daily China Times said in an editorial that Lai's speech was not about cross-strait ties, but rather emphasized the conflict between the two countries. The paper added that this attitude has disappointed Taiwanese society.
An editorial in the Taipei-based United Daily News newspaper noted that cross-Strait relations have been at a low ebb for the past eight years, and that over the next four years Taiwanese “will have to strengthen ties.” I predicted that they would be concerned. Fasten your seatbelts,” and it looked like another bumpy ride was in store.
Ma Ying-jeou, Taiwan's former leader and former chairman of the Nationalist Party, spoke at a seminar on Tuesday and called on Lai to return to his vision of a common history, culture and identity for the Chinese nation.
“Engaging in dialogue with the mainland is the only way to create a chance for real peace across the Taiwan Strait,” Ma added. ■
