The Taiwanese president also asked China to ‘live up to the expectations of the international community.’
TAIPEI, Taiwan—Taiwan’s freedom and way of life are being threatened by authoritarianism, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said, adding that he is committed to defending the island’s sovereignty from annexation or infringement.
Lai, who took office in May, delivered a keynote national address in front of the Presidential Office Building in Taipei on Oct. 10, which is celebrated as National Day in Taiwan. This year, the celebration also marked Taiwan’s 113th birthday.
“On this land, democracy and freedom are growing and thriving. The People’s Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan,” Lai said, referring to China’s official name.
Lai reiterated Taiwan’s position of maintaining the current status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, while seeking to hold equal and dignified talks with the Chinese communist regime.
“As president, my mission is to ensure that our nation endures and progresses,” Lai said. “I will also uphold the commitment to resist annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty.”
The Chinese regime’s hostility toward Taiwan and its liberal democratic system has grown since Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) came to power in 2016, when Lai’s predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen, began the first of her two terms in office. Lai, who is currently the DPP chairman, was vice president during the Tsai administration.
The egime considers both Tsai and Lai to be “separatists,” a phrase Beijing frequently uses for any Taiwanese citizen who advocates for the island’s sovereignty.
Lai said his administration would like to work with the Chinese regime on issues such as addressing climate change, combating infectious diseases, and maintaining regional security.
He urged China to “live up to the expectations of the international community” and apply its influence to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the conflicts in the Middle East.
“Taiwan faces relentless challenges, and the world’s challenges are just as much our own,” Lai said. “And expanding authoritarianism is posing a host of challenges to the rules-based international order, threatening our hard-won free and democratic way of life.”
By Frank Fang
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