Mainland refutes Lai Ching-te’s latest remarks, warns against secessionist moves

Mainland spokesperson responds to question regarding possibility of more cross-Straits exchanges after China-US summit

Beijing has accused Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te of “destroying cross-strait peace” shortly after he gave a speech to mark his second anniversary in power in the wake of Donald Trump’s remarks on Taiwan independence.

For years, the pro-independence ruling party has tried to convince the island's separatist forces that confrontation with the Chinese mainland can be offset by support from Washington.

Lai faces not only pressure from China, which claims ​Taiwan as its own and calls him a "separatist", but ​also from the U.S., traditionally its most important supporter.