Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te made a strong vow to resist any attempts of “annexation” by China in his national day speech. The self-governed island celebrated its National Day with grand festivities in the capital, Taipei, where President Lai addressed the public.
Amid tensions with mainland China, President Lai emphasised Taiwan’s sovereignty and asserted that he would resist any form of encroachment from Beijing. China considers Taiwan as an integral part of the country and views President Lai, who has consistently advocated for Taiwan’s right to self-determination since assuming office this year, as a separatist.
“In this land, democracy and freedom are flourishing. The People’s Republic of China has no authority to represent Taiwan,” President Lai stated outside the presidential palace. He further declared, “I will uphold our commitment to resist annexation or any infringement upon our sovereignty.”
President Lai reaffirmed that the Republic of China, known by Taiwan’s official name, is not subordinate to the People’s Republic of China. Despite these firm statements, he expressed willingness to collaborate with China on global issues such as climate change, infectious disease prevention, and regional security for the mutual benefit of both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
However, Beijing reacted strongly to President Lai’s comments. The Chinese foreign ministry reiterated their stance that Taiwan does not possess any “so-called sovereignty.” Mao Ning, a ministry spokesperson, suggested that President Lai’s speech was aimed at escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait for his political gain.
Tensions in the region escalated when China conducted military exercises simulating an invasion of Taiwan. China also flew 15 aircraft across the median line in the Taiwan Strait, leading Taiwan to respond by scrambling jets, dispatching ships, and activating missile systems, according to the Taiwanese ministry of defence.
Taiwan’s National Day commemorates the establishment of the Republic of China on the mainland following the 1911 revolution that overthrew the Qing dynasty. After the defeat by the Chinese Communist Party in 1949, the Kuomintang leadership relocated to Taiwan, where martial law was enforced until democracy was established in the 1980s and 1990s. Taiwan continues to operate under the original constitution from mainland China and displays the Republic of China flag.
The ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China underscore the complex and sensitive relationship between the two regions, with both sides holding firm stances on issues of sovereignty and governance.