Lai Ching-te is outright "pragmatic war instigator": mainland experts

Mainland scholars criticized the so-called "October 10th" speech by Taiwan region's leader Lai Ching-te during a seminar held in Beijing on Sunday.

Experts specializing in Taiwan issues at the seminar held at Renmin University of China stated that Lai's latest speech clearly demonstrated that his separatist stance in pursuit of "Taiwan independence" remains unchanged.

Experts also warned that Lai's separatist remarks revealed his dangerous intent to recklessly pursue "Taiwan independence," labeling him as an outright "pragmatic war instigator."

"Firstly, judging from his speech this time, he has made some adjustments in his rhetoric and speech skills, and his use of language may appear to be gentler. But in essence, his stance as a separatist seeking 'Taiwan independence' has not changed. Moreover, he might adopt even stronger and more rigid measures to promote 'Taiwan independence' or engage in so-called 'anti-China' activities in the future," said Yang Jinghua, associate researcher at the Institute of Taiwan Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

"From Lai's speech, we can tell that there are six things that remain unchanged. Specifically, the first is that its essence of promoting 'Taiwan independence' has not changed. Second, the position of confronting the mainland has not changed. Third, the narrative of using democracy and freedom card has not changed. Fourth, tactic of colluding with external forces has not changed. Fifth, the practice of shifting the blame for deteriorating cross-strait relations to the mainland has not changed. Sixth, the repetition of the 'China threat theory' has not changed," said Wang Yingjin, director of the Cross-Strait Relations Research Center of Renmin University of China.

Experts pointed out that the mainland has sufficient strategic determination and confidence to maintain the initiative and the ability to steer in cross-Strait relations.

They emphasized that Lai's political tactics will not alter the historical and prevailing trend that the motherland will ultimately achieve reunification.

"The mainland maintain the initiative and the ability to steer in cross-Strait relations as well as the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. We have a strong capability to shape the situation. We are working towards shaping the situation in the Taiwan Strait in a direction that is conducive to peace in the Taiwan Strait and conducive to unification," said Li Zhenguang, dean of the Institute of Taiwan Studies at Beijing Union University.

Lai Ching-te is outright "pragmatic war instigator": mainland experts

Floodwaters in Lithia, a severely affected area in the southeastern U.S. state of Florida by Hurricane Milton, have not receded yet even four days after the landfall of the hurricane.

Milton hit the west-central coast of Florida as a Category 3 storm on Wednesday night, bringing strong winds, destructive tornadoes, and heavy rains before weakening to a Category 1 as it swiftly barreled across central Florida.

Lithia, situated southwest of Tampa, bore the brunt of the hurricane as it was right in the the path of Milton.

The heavy rainfall triggered by Milton swelled local rivers, resulting in flooding and the submersion of numerous homes, with many areas in Lithia still drenching in floodwaters.

"Milton came through and wrecked it. The storm didn't do too much of the flooding after the fact. About 12 hours after the storm, the water was in my backyard, didn't think it was going to get much higher 36 hours after the storm. Way better than a lot of people behind me, hopefully they're okay behind. But yeah, I got my neighbors. I think they got probably four or five, maybe six feet of water in the house, that yellow house over there," said Vladimir, a resident affected by the floods in Lithia.

Vladimir also said that they have not received any government assistance so far, with only local community organizations offering some food and water to the affected residents.

In parts of western and central Florida, river levels may continue to rise, with multiple areas still under flood alerts.

Rescue agencies caution that the floods are likely to impede the progress of post-disaster relief efforts. By Sunday afternoon, over 840,000 households in Florida were still without power, with almost 30 percent of gas stations unable to provide fuel.

Milton is the fifth hurricane hitting the Gulf Coast so far in 2024, with three of them striking Florida.

Floodwaters linger in Florida's hard-hit area days after Hurricane Milton's landfall

Floodwaters linger in Florida's hard-hit area days after Hurricane Milton's landfall