A Chinese warship sails in the waters near Pingjia Island in northern Taiwan, in this photo posted on May 23, 2024.
Taiwan Coast Guard | Via Reuters
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Thursday that China has no right to represent Taiwan, but the island is ready to work with Beijing to combat global challenges such as climate change, using a firm and conciliatory tone.
Lai, who took office in May after being elected in January, is hated by China, which describes him as a “separatist.” Beijing claims that Taiwan is democratically governed as its own territory, a view rejected by Lai and his government.
In a major national speech outside the presidential office in Taipei, Lai reiterated that the Republic of China – the island's official name – and the People's Republic of China “are not subject to each other.”
“On this land, democracy and freedom grow and flourish. The People's Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan,” he said.
Lai added that Taiwan's determination to defend its sovereignty, maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait and seek equal and dignified talks with China has not changed.
“I will also uphold the commitment to resist annexation or encroachment on our sovereignty,” Lai said.
But he also made an offer of cooperation with China.
“We are ready to work with China in addressing climate change, combating infectious diseases and maintaining regional security to achieve peace and mutual prosperity for the well-being of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait,” he added.
Lai added that he hopes China can live up to the expectations of the international community, exert its influence and work with other countries to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East.
He added, “We hope that it will shoulder its international responsibilities and contribute with Taiwan to peace, security and prosperity in the region and the world.”
There was no immediate response from Beijing to his statements.
China this week accused him of stirring up tensions, and Taiwan's Defense Ministry said on Wednesday that China had organized another “joint combat readiness patrol” around the island, part of a pattern of what Taipei calls regular Chinese military harassment.
Taiwanese and Western officials have warned that China may conduct further military exercises in response to his speech.
The United States, Taiwan's most important international backer, said on Wednesday that China had no justification to use Lai's speech as a pretext for military pressure.
Lai repeatedly offered to hold talks with Beijing, but his request was rejected. He says that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.
Lai also praised Taiwan's diversity, highlighting Nymphea Wind, the first East Asian to win the crown on RuPaul's Drag Race, and Olympic gold medalist Lin Yu-ting, one of two boxers at the center of a gender feud at this year's Paris Olympics.
“The people of Taiwan are diverse, and they are fearless. Our Nymphia Wind is a queen on the world stage. The people of Taiwan are truly brave. Lin Yu-ting, the daughter of Taiwan, is the queen of the boxing world,” he said.
