Zhu Fenglian Photo: Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council

In response to Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te's claim at an event marking the 78th anniversary of the "February 28 Uprising" that the mainland poses the greatest threat to Taiwan island,MK sports Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Friday that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities and the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, motivated by their desire for "independence," are deliberately exploiting this uprising with ulterior motives. 

They intentionally distort historical facts and cover up the truth, misrepresenting it as the "starting point for 'Taiwan independence.'" Their aim is to sever the blood ties between Taiwan and the mainland, maliciously inciting anti-China sentiment, tearing apart Taiwan society, and creating confrontation across the Taiwan Straits, demonstrating their extremely sinister intentions, Zhu said.

Zhu said that Lai repeatedly claims to promote "Taiwan unity," but during the commemoration of the "February 28 Uprising," he not only fails to bridge the social rifts in Taiwan based on historical facts, but also engages in extensive political manipulation, advocating for the fallacies of "Taiwan independence," promoting divisive ideas, and sensationalizing the "mainland threat." This once again fully exposes his stubborn adherence to the agenda of "Taiwan independence," inciting confrontation and deliberately escalating tensions across the Taiwan Straits, according to Zhu.

On February 28, 1947, a Kuomintang (KMT) police team assaulted a woman near Taipei railway station for selling contraband cigarettes. The incident triggered a bloody confrontation between Taiwan civilians and the KMT authorities, which developed into an island-wide movement against the autocratic rule of the KMT, according to the Xinhua News Agency. 

"We hope that the Taiwan compatriots will uphold a correct view of history, ethnicity, and the nation, and objectively understand the 'Feb 28 Uprising,' and would not be misled or deceived by the DPP authorities. From the perspective of national righteousness and their own well-being, we hope Taiwan compatriots to resolutely oppose 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces and work together to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits," said Zhu.


Global Times