Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has expressed concerns about the threat of authoritarianism to Taiwan’s freedom and way of life. In a national address on Taiwan’s National Day, Lai emphasized his commitment to defending the island’s sovereignty from annexation or infringement. He stated that democracy and freedom are flourishing in Taiwan, and that the People’s Republic of China has no right to represent the country. Lai reiterated Taiwan’s position of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait while seeking equal and dignified talks with China.
Lai also highlighted China’s growing hostility towards Taiwan since the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) came into power in 2016. The Chinese communist regime considers both Lai and his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen as “separatists” due to their advocacy for Taiwanese sovereignty.
Despite these challenges, Lai expressed his administration’s willingness to work with China on various issues such as climate change, combating infectious diseases, and regional security. He urged China to use its influence to address global conflicts like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East.
Lai also outlined his administration’s focus on developing five trusted industry sectors: semiconductors, artificial intelligence, military technology, security and surveillance, and next-generation communications.
Prior to his speech, Lai met with foreign guests including politicians from Tuvalu, Palau, Japan’s House of Councilors as well as U.S. lawmakers who arrived in Taiwan earlier this month.
The Chinese military has increased its activities around Taiwan in recent years through air sorties, naval deployment, live-fire exercises. Ahead of Lai’s speech this year there were concerns that China might stage more military drills in response.
A recent poll conducted by a top Taiwanese military think tank showed that most Taiwanese do not believe an invasion by China is likely within the next five years but remain concerned about other threats such as military drills and propaganda campaigns from Beijing.
While there is uncertainty regarding whether or not the United States would come to Taiwan’s defense if attacked by China due its policy of “strategic ambiguity,” Assistant Professor Amrita Jash noted that Chinese military exercises around Taiwan have become more frequent and intense over time with a clear objective: demonstrating Beijing’s ability to blockade or isolate the island while expressing displeasure towards moves perceived as promoting independence for Taiwan.
It is important for both sides—China and Taiwan—to consider potential consequences before taking any aggressive actions against each other given their economic interdependence; any disruptions could have severe economic repercussions for both parties involved.