Former Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou condemned current leader Lai Ching-te's advocacy of the "two-state" theory, which led Ma decide not to attend an event celebrating Taiwan's "national day" on Thursday.

Lai's pursuit of a separatist path seriously violates the constitutional provisions of the island and could lead Taiwan's 23 million people into peril, Ma said.

Ma said, based on the island's constitutional provisions, Taiwan and the Chinese mainland are not two separate countries but two regions that can peacefully coexist. When he served as the island leader, Ma signed 23 agreements with the mainland.

"However, Lai currently violates the Taiwan region's 'constitution' by proposing the 'two-state' theory, causing tensions?across the Strait and raising serious concerns globally. He is truly a troublemaker," he said.

Ma said that there are now many voices internationally questioning Lai's approach, including criticism from international media and survey reports that suggest that Lai's provocations exceed those of former leader Tsai Ing-wen.

Ma sternly urged Lai to reconsider his stance, prioritize the well-being of all Taiwan people, abandon the absurd "two-state" theory, and avoid putting Taiwan people in jeopardy.

Failing to do so, he would be a disservice to the people of Taiwan, Ma said.