Mainland spokesperson slams Lai Ching-te's remarks on anti-s

BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Thursday criticized remarks by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te on the Anti-Secession Law and the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, saying they distorted the purpose of the laws and sought to mislead the public.

Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to Lai's recent claims that the laws expand China's extraterritorial jurisdiction and create a "chilling effect" on so-called democratic societies.

Chen said the Anti-Secession Law safeguards China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, deters "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, and promotes the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and national reunification, reflecting the common will of all Chinese people.

He added that the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law safeguards the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation and provides stronger legal support for advancing ethnic unity and modernization.

Chen accused the Democratic Progressive Party authorities of fabricating allegations to smear the laws and deliberately creating a false sense of risk to intimidate the people of Taiwan.

He also criticized Lai for pursuing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, escalating cross-Strait tensions, obstructing cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, and undermining democracy, the rule of law and freedoms on the island.

Chen said that no matter what the Lai authorities say or do, they cannot change the fundamental direction of cross-Strait relations or stop the historical trend toward China's eventual reunification.

He called on Taiwan compatriots to oppose "Taiwan independence" separatism and external interference and jointly safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.