Phoenix TV: Last week, Lai Ching-te said at an event that Japan’s colonization of Taiwan was aimed at promoting the “Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.” The statement provoked outrage among the people in the Taiwan region. Can I have your comment on that?

Lin Jian: The Lai Ching-te authorities brazenly used the false narrative of Japanese aggressors to whitewash Japan’s aggression and colonial rule. This is a grave affront to history and despicable betrayal to the nation. Japan exerted colonial rule on the island for half a century, brutally suppressed the resistance of Taiwan compatriots, massively plundered resources, and inflicted severe damage on Taiwan’s economy and culture and people’s wellbeing. This historic tragedy filled with blood and tears is deeply etched in the memory of the Chinese nation and shall never be forgotten or distorted.

More than 80 years ago, Taiwan was restored to its motherland, which ended its days in the shackles of colonial rule. It was a great victory achieved through strenuous struggles and tremendous sacrifice of the entire Chinese nation together, including our Taiwan compatriots. We will never ever allow anyone to justify colonialism or reverse history’s verdict on aggression. The remarks you mentioned once again laid bare Lai Ching-te’s true agenda: selling Taiwan out to ingratiate with Japan, seeking “Taiwan independence” and making provocations. The Lai Ching-te authorities think that they could reverse the process of China’s reunification by distorting history, whitewashing colonial atrocities and peddling their “Taiwan independence” historical narrative. It will only lead to their own demise.

Reuters: President Trump has confirmed the delay of his trip to Beijing. Is that something China is agreeable to? Would China push for a more substantive discussion when the leaders meet?

Lin Jian: Head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance to bilateral relations. China and the U.S. will continue to maintain communication on President Trump’s visit to China.