“Taiwan independence is a dead end,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a press conference. “No matter what form or flag it takes, seeking Taiwan independence and secession is doomed to fail,” the spokesman added. The territory of 23 million people operates as a self-governing political entity, with its own military and diplomatic relations, although it has never formally declared independence. Beijing considers Taiwan to be part of its territory and has warned that a formal declaration of independence would be seen as an act of war. Lai has been described by Beijing as a “dangerous separatist” for his previous statements in favor of Taiwan independence, although the new leader has since softened his rhetoric and in his inauguration speech pledged to maintain the status quo, which preserves Taiwan’s de facto sovereignty without formally declaring independence. Ahead of Lai’s inauguration, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council (cabinet) said that “Taiwan independence and peace in the Straits” were “like fire and water.” Read Also: New leader of Taiwan proposes dialogue with China on equal terms (Portuguese version)