Beijing slams Taiwan’s ruling party for ‘political manipulation’ after opposition lawmakers survive recall vote

ISTANBUL

China on Sunday slammed Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for “political manipulation,” which, it said, runs “against the will of the people,” after opposition lawmakers survived recall vote, state-backed Xinhua News reported.

In Saturday’s recall vote aimed at opposition lawmakers in Taiwan’s legislature, the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party achieved a decisive win, successfully holding on to all 24 of its seats.

All 24 lawmakers of the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) up for recall survived the votes, ensuring that the KMT, along with Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) lawmakers, will maintain opposition control of the legislature.

Reacting to the results, Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said that the DPP, motivated by its goal of “Taiwan independence” and a desire for one-party domination, has continually incited political conflict, at the expense of Taiwanese people.

Chen argued that the DPP has used all possible tactics to silence opposing voices, foster a climate of “green terror,” and intensify social division, clearly exposing its nature of “fake democracy, real authoritarianism.”

Among those who faced votes are high-profile KMT figures from Taipei and New Taipei, including Hung Meng-kai, who secured the highest vote count in the 2024 legislative election. Suspended Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao, formerly of the TPP, was also challenged following her conviction in a corruption case.

DPP has denied orchestrating the recall drives, though party leader and regional leader William Lai Ching-te has publicly supported efforts to unseat opposition lawmakers.

A second round of recall votes is scheduled for Aug. 23, as the DPP eyes potential by-elections to regain a legislative majority.

The vote is being closely watched as the DPP lost its majority in the regional legislature last year, and the Lai administration has faced continued setbacks in implementing its policies.

A successful recall vote would trigger a by-election within three months in that particular electoral district.

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