Beijing: China has criticized Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for what it calls 'political manipulation' following the survival of opposition lawmakers in a recall vote.

According to Anadolu Agency, the state-backed Xinhua News reported that China's stance is that the actions of the DPP run 'against the will of the people.'

In the recall vote held on Saturday, the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party managed to retain all 24 of its contested seats in Taiwan's legislature. This outcome ensures that the KMT, along with the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) lawmakers, will continue to hold the opposition's control of the legislature.

Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, responded to the vote results by accusing the DPP of inciting political conflict and pursuing "Taiwan independence" and one-party domination, which he argues are detrimental to the Taiwanese people. He further claimed that the DPP has employed tactics to silence dissent, fostering a climate of "green terror" and deepening social divisions, revealing its nature of "fake democracy, real authoritarianism."

High-profile KMT figures, such as Hung Meng-kai from Taipei and New Taipei, were among those subjected to recall votes. Hung Meng-kai notably received the highest vote count in the 2024 legislative election. Suspended Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao, formerly affiliated with the TPP, also faced challenges following her conviction in a corruption case.

While the DPP has denied orchestrating the recall efforts, its leader and regional leader William Lai Ching-te has publicly supported initiatives to unseat opposition lawmakers. A second round of recall votes is scheduled for August 23, as the DPP looks towards potential by-elections to regain a legislative majority.

The vote is being closely observed, as the DPP lost its majority in the regional legislature last year, and the administration led by Lai has encountered ongoing challenges in implementing its policies. A successful recall vote could lead to a by-election within three months in the affected electoral district.