On Thursday, Beijing labeled Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te as a 'warmonger' in response to his comments during an interview with the French Press Agency, where he suggested that other countries in the region could be targeted by China if the island nation is attacked and annexed. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian, during a regular press briefing, stated that Lai's remarks reveal his stubborn support for Taiwan's independence and illustrate the potential for instability stemming from such positions.

Lin emphasized that Lai's calls for independence are the root cause of unrest and chaos in the Taiwan Strait, confirming China's long-standing assertion that Taiwan is an integral part of its territory. He dismissed Lai's influence as inconsequential, asserting that no matter what the Taiwanese leader says or does, it will not alter the historical and legal fact of Taiwan's status within China. This statement reinforces China's commitment to the One China principle, which aims for eventual reunification.

The rhetoric from Beijing highlights the heightened tensions surrounding Taiwan's political landscape, particularly following Lai’s election to office advocating a stance against the pressures from mainland China. As China does not rule out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, such exchanges contribute to the ongoing concerns over regional stability and the international community's responses to the situation.