President William Lai has reinforced Taiwan’s self-governing status during a significant public address on National Day, marking his most prominent statement since assuming office earlier this year.
Addressing a large crowd in Taipei, Lai emphasized his commitment to reject China’s claims over the island, stating he would “uphold the commitment to resist annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty.”
Lai’s comments come in the wake of China’s recent celebration of its 75th anniversary, underlining the sensitive political climate surrounding Taiwan’s sovereignty. He reiterated his promise to maintain “the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” while also expressing a willingness to engage with Beijing on shared concerns, including climate change and regional security.
“The Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinates to each other,” Lai asserted, highlighting the distinction between the two governments.
In previous statements, Lai had sought to reassure international observers by assuring there would be “no surprises” during his National Day address, following some remarks earlier that were perceived as provocative. Last week, he remarked it was “absolutely impossible” for China to claim Taiwan as “motherland,” citing the island’s government establishment in 1911, predating the Communist regime by several decades.
At a concert for National Day, Lai further noted, “On the contrary, the Republic of China may actually be the motherland of citizens of the People’s Republic of China who are over 75 years old.”
Taiwan operates under the constitution of the Republic of China, which originated in mainland China. After losing the civil war to the Communists in 1949, the Republic of China government relocated to Taiwan, where it continues to function independently.
Lai has also challenged China’s justification for its territorial claims, suggesting that if such claims were taken seriously, Beijing would prioritize reclaiming other territories historically linked to the Chinese empire.
“If China wants to annex Taiwan… it’s not for the sake of territorial integrity,” Lai stated in a recent interview. He questioned why China does not seek to reclaim territories lost to Russia under the 1858 Treaty of Aigun, arguing that this reflects a broader narrative of historical grievance rather than genuine territorial integrity.
In response to Lai’s comments, China’s government accused him of exacerbating tensions, labeling his stance on Taiwan independence as a persistent issue with “sinister intentions.”
Lai, who succeeded former President Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has been described by political analysts as adopting a more assertive rhetoric compared to his predecessor, who typically navigated the delicate relationship with China more cautiously.
Despite the confrontational tone of his administration, Lai maintains that Taiwan’s current status does not necessitate a formal declaration of independence, asserting that it is already an independent sovereign nation ungoverned by the People’s Republic of China.
