Taiwan Must Protect Sovereignty and Identity, President Lai Ching-te

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, during a speech at the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) annual convention, underscored the importance of protecting Taiwan’s sovereignty and understanding its own culture and history.

Lai firmly rejected the outdated notion that Taiwan could serve as a base to “retake” China, a belief held by the previous regime.

DPP’s Stance on Taiwan’s Identity:

Since taking office in May, Lai and the ruling DPP have advocated for Taiwan’s distinct identity separate from China. This stance has often provoked anger from Beijing, which considers the island an integral part of its territory.

Lai highlighted that the individuals who fought for Taiwan’s democracy clearly envisioned the island’s place in the world. Martial law in Taiwan only ended in 1987, and those who ended it “did not hesitate to shed blood and used their lives to debunk the mistaken idea that ‘Taiwan is a base to retake the mainland,’ and instituted the national policy of putting Taiwan first,” Lai said.

Historical Context:

The historical backdrop involves Chiang Kai-shek and his defeated Republic of China government fleeing to Taiwan in 1949 after losing the civil war to Mao Zedong’s communists.

Chiang hoped to regroup his forces in Taiwan and retake China, a dream he never realized before he died in 1975. Lai emphasized that Taiwan now has different priorities.

Unity and Opposition to Annexation:

Lai stressed the need for unity among the people of Taiwan to oppose China’s annexation and ensure national sovereignty.

Speaking in Taiwanese (Hokkien) rather than Mandarin, he stated, “We must do our best to let the whole country’s people understand Taiwan’s own history and culture and establish a national identity that the 23 million people living in Taiwan are a community of destiny.”

Response from China:

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to calls for comment. Beijing labels Lai as a “separatist.” Lai rejects China’s sovereignty claims, asserting that only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.

Despite his repeated offers for talks with Beijing, these have been rebuffed. China conducted war games shortly after Lai’s inauguration and continues to send warplanes and warships around Taiwan daily.

Taiwan’s Preparedness:

Taiwan is set to begin its annual Han Kuang war games, which aim to simulate actual combat conditions closely this year.

Lai reaffirmed the DPP’s commitment to a democratic and free constitutional system, stating, “We will never allow Taiwan to suffer the danger of extinction due to the failure of democratic politics.”