Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te reiterated on June 22 in a national address in New Taipei City that Taiwan is an undeniable sovereign nation, strongly rebuffing China's persistent political and military pressure. President Lai's remarks directly challenge China's "One China" principle, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, and are expected to further escalate tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
"Taiwan is a Clear Sovereign Nation"… China's Claims Dismissed
In his speech, President Lai Ching-te asserted, "Taiwan is an undeniable nation possessing all four essential elements of a state: its people, territory, government, and sovereignty." He criticized China's claim of sovereignty over Taiwan, stating it lacks historical basis and legal legitimacy. Specifically addressing UN General Assembly Resolution 27558, frequently cited by China, he pointed out, "This resolution only addresses China's representation in the United Nations and does not include the issue of Taiwan's sovereignty."
President Lai also emphasized that Taiwan's history has diverged from China's. He explained, "The period during which Taiwan was classified as a Chinese province during the Qing Dynasty was merely 8 years, and the People's Republic of China has never governed Taiwan for a single day since its founding." This is interpreted as an attempt to refute China's claim that Taiwan has historically been part of China, thereby highlighting Taiwan's independent identity.
President Lai further added, "The 23 million people of Taiwan have the right to determine Taiwan's future, and Taiwan and China are not interdependent," prioritizing the self-determination of Taiwan's residents.
Citing China's Five Existential Threats and Urging International Cooperation
In his address, President Lai specifically mentioned five existential threats posed by China, beyond rhetorical pressure and military intimidation. He pointed to: ▲infringement on national sovereignty, ▲infiltration and espionage targeting the military, ▲fostering confusion regarding national identity, ▲infiltration of Taiwan through cross-strait exchanges, and ▲a strategy to entice young people under the guise of integrated development. These remarks revealed his vigilance toward China's multifaceted strategy for unifying Taiwan.
President Lai particularly stressed, "China's threat is not just a Taiwan issue but an issue that the international community must pay attention to," explaining that "Taiwan's safety and the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait are linked to global safety and prosperity." Regarding the continuous harassment of Taiwan by Chinese military aircraft and vessels, he urged, "We must bravely confront this," calling for the Taiwan military's preparedness and national unity.
President Lai's address is scheduled to proceed systematically, focusing on ten key themes: 'Nation, Unity, Constitutional System, National Defense, Diplomacy, Cross-Strait Relations, Democracy, Peace, Prosperity, and Balance.' This is interpreted as a strong indication of President Lai's resolve to strengthen Taiwan's independence and solidify its international status after taking office.
International Reaction and Future Prospects for Cross-Strait Relations
President Lai Ching-te's declaration that "Taiwan is a sovereign nation" is expected to cause significant ripple effects in the international community. Western nations, including the United States, while acknowledging the "One China" principle, support the status quo in Taiwan and have expressed concern over China's attempts at forceful unification. President Lai's remarks could further strengthen the stance of these nations in supporting Taiwan.
Conversely, China is expected to strongly condemn President Lai's remarks as "separatist provocation." China has recently intensified military exercises around Taiwan and maintained diplomatic pressure, bolstering its efforts to prevent Taiwan's independence. President Lai's assertive statement is likely to provoke further military threats or economic pressure from China.
Moving forward, cross-strait relations are expected to become more complex and unpredictable as President Lai's national address continues. The peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait have a profound impact on the security of Northeast Asia and the entire world, making prudent diplomatic efforts by concerned countries even more critical.
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