Chen Binhua, spokesperson of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council Photo: CFP

A mainland spokesperson has sharply criticized on Wednesday the recent move by the Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities to remove the term of people of the Han ethnic group from a population description on its official demographic data, replacing it with "other." The change has sparked widespread backlash on the island, with critics accusing the DPP authorities led by Lai Ching-te of further promoting "de-sinicization" and erasing ancestral heritage.

Chen Binhua, spokesperson of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, called the move "utterly absurd and laughable."

"For those within the DPP authorities responsible for this decision—especially those who themselves belong to the so-called 'other populations'—how can they face their ancestors with any sense of dignity?" Chen asked.

He emphasized that people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits share the same bloodline, culture, and history. "We are all part of the Chinese nation, descendants of the Yellow Emperor and the Yan Emperor. We are all Chinese—this is an objective fact that no one can change," Chen said.

Chen accused the DPP authorities of manipulating identity for political gain, saying their actions reflect a deep-seated separatist agenda. "Driven by their goal of 'Taiwan independence' and political self-interest, they constantly devise new tricks to push de-sinicization and sever historical and cultural ties across the Straits. These actions go against the will of the people, will not succeed, and will ultimately be rejected by history and the public."

The controversy has reignited debate in Taiwan over issues of identity, heritage, and the politicization of history amid increasingly strained cross-Straits relations.