China Slams Taiwan President Lai as 'War Instigator' Over Regional Threat Remarks

• China labels Taiwan President Lai Ching-te a "crisis creator, war instigator" after his warning about Beijing's Indo-Pacific ambitions.
• Lai stated in an AFP interview that a Chinese takeover of Taiwan would not stop at the island, potentially targeting Japan and the Philippines.
• China's foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian accused Lai of promoting separatism and reiterated Beijing's claim over Taiwan.
• Lai's remarks aim to build diplomatic backing by framing Taiwan's fate within a wider regional security framework, including US allies.
• Taiwan seeks closer defense and AI ties with Europe, leveraging its semiconductor dominance while balancing US pressure for defense spending.