Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te stated on Thursday that China has no right to represent Taiwan, while also expressing a willingness to collaborate with Beijing on global challenges such as climate change. Speaking outside the presidential office in Taipei, Lai struck a balanced tone, rejecting Chinese claims over the island while extending an olive branch for cooperation.
Lai, who took office in May after winning the January election, reaffirmed Taiwan’s stance that the Republic of China (Taiwan’s official name) and the People’s Republic of China are “not subordinate to each other.” He emphasised that Taiwan’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait remains unchanged. He reiterated, “The People’s Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan.”
Open To Collaboration On Global Issues
Despite the firm stance on sovereignty, Lai highlighted areas where Taiwan is open to working with China. He expressed willingness to cooperate on climate change, combat infectious diseases, and maintain regional security. He added that such collaboration could foster mutual prosperity and peace for people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Lai also called on China to live up to international expectations and use its influence to help end conflicts, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East. He urged China to “take up its international responsibilities” and contribute to global peace, security, and prosperity alongside Taiwan.
Military Tensions and China’s Response
China, which views Taiwan as its territory, has labelled Lai a “separatist” and has shown no interest in engaging in dialogue. This week, China accused Lai of escalating tensions, and Taiwan’s defence ministry reported that Beijing conducted another “joint combat readiness patrol” around the island. Such actions are part of what Taiwan describes as a pattern of military harassment.
In response, the US, Taiwan’s key international supporter, stated that China has no justification for using Lai’s speech as a pretext for increased military pressure. Washington reiterated its support for Taiwan, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
Celebrating Taiwan’s Diversity And Achievements
Lai also took the opportunity to celebrate Taiwan’s diverse society and achievements. He praised Nymphia Wind, the first East Asian to win the crown in RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Olympic gold medallist Lin Yu-ting, one of two boxers at the centre of a gender dispute at this year’s Paris Olympics.
“The people of Taiwan are diverse, and they are fearless,” Lai said. “Nymphia Wind is a queen on the world stage. Lin Yu-ting, a daughter of Taiwan, is a queen of the boxing world.”
(With Inputs from Reuters)
