The Chinese mainland has criticized Taiwan region leader Lai Ching-te for what it calls a politically motivated move to curry favor with Japan. Lai had issued a congratulatory message to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, following Japan's Lower House election that would keep Takaichi in power. A spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said the remarks violated historical facts and touched on core interests related to the Taiwan question, stressing China's firm opposition.