“Lai’s speech distorted right and wrong, peddled the separatist fallacy of Taiwan independence, and distorted and challenged historical facts and international consensus, once again exposing his stubborn nature as a troublemaker ... and warmaker,” said Guo Jiakun, a mainland foreign ministry spokesman.

The Lai administration’s attempt to pursue independence through force and resist reunification “will only drag Taiwan into a dangerous situation of war”, Guo said.

“Maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait requires upholding the one-China principle and resolutely opposing Taiwan independence. China’s firm opposition to US arms sales to Taiwan and any military ties between the US and Taiwan is consistent and clear,” Guo said.

Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) also warned that promoting Taiwan independence and deviating from the one-China principle would escalate tensions in the Taiwan Strait and “seriously harm” Taiwan’s economy and the well-being of its people.

Lai’s words and actions “will only undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, escalate tensions, increase the burden on the people of Taiwan, jeopardise Taiwan’s economic lifeline and development prospects, and bring disaster to Taiwanese society”, TAO spokesman Chen Binhua said.