Leader of the Taiwan region Lai Ching-te kicked off his much-anticipated '10 lectures on unity' campaign over the weekend. Each session will tackle a distinct theme, but state media CGTN claims the series masks a push for 'Taiwan independence'.
According to CGTN’s first commentary in a 10-episode rebuttal series, the timing of the opening lecture—just two days after Taiwan authorities announced a recall vote set for July 26 against over 20 Kuomintang legislators—points to a strategic bid to shape public opinion ahead of a high-stakes political showdown.
The commentary critiques the initial speech’s focus on 'country', calling it full of 'hollowness, lies and fallacies'. It alleges that in framing his argument, Lai fragmented history and sidestepped the shared struggles of people from the Chinese mainland and the Taiwan region who once fought side by side against foreign threats. CGTN argues this approach betrays the island’s patriotic legacy and the sacrifices made by earlier generations.
While Lai’s camp presents the series as an attempt to foster unity and national identity, critics warn the true aim may be rallying support for the Democratic Progressive Party’s Taiwan independence agenda and sidelining dissenting voices.
As the '10 lectures on unity' unfold, observers will watch closely to see whether they reinforce solidarity or intensify cross-strait and domestic debate in the Taiwan region.
Reference(s):
Lai Ching-te's perilous new campaign for 'Taiwan independence'
cgtn.com
