A Chinese mainland spokeswoman on Wednesday refuted the attacks launched by some politicians in the Taiwan region on famous Hong Kong singer Andy Lau Tak-wah, saying these people have forgotten their roots and tried to use political manipulation to interfere with normal cultural exchanges.
Lau recently gave a concert at the Taipei Arena, where he performed the well-known patriotic song "Chinese People". Created to celebrate Hong Kong's return to China, the song has been a staple in Lau's concert tours for over 20 years.
However, in Taipei, some politicians from the pan-Green camp (pro-secession in Taiwan's political spectrum) reacted strongly, claiming that "Andy Lau is here to engage in united front work" and stating that the concert "is not worth seeing."
"Andy Lau held a concert in Taiwan, and was well received by Taiwan fans. The song 'Chinese People' that he sang was written by a Taiwan musician. The classic lyrics 'Hand in hand, regardless of who you are; heads up high, walking forward; let the world know we are Chinese' not only triggered an enthusiastic response from the audience on site, but also sparked widespread resonance among Chinese people both at home and abroad. Some politicians from the pan-Green camp in Taiwan, who forget their roots, attempted to use political manipulation to interfere with normal cultural exchanges, but were met with extensive criticism from people on the Taiwan Island," said Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, at a press conference in Beijing.
Zhu cited other famous patriotic songs, including "Descendants of the Dragon", "My Chinese Heart", "Chinese", "China in the Lights" and "Love My China", saying that it is the dignity and honor of every Chinese to love their motherland.
"Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are 'Chinese People' and 'Descendants of the Dragon' with a 'Chinese Heart', who speak 'Chinese' and love the 'China in the Lights'. It is the dignity and honor of every Chinese to 'Love My China'. We hope that the majority of Taiwan compatriots will safeguard the overall interests of the Chinese nation, firmly oppose Taiwan independence, and join the compatriots on the mainland in promoting peaceful and integrated development of cross-Strait relations, and in working together for the great cause of national rejuvenation," said Zhu.
Mainland spokeswoman criticizes some Taiwan politicians for politicizing normal cultural exchanges
