In this promotional image released on May 23, 2024, a Chinese warship sails in the waters near Pengjia Island in northern Taiwan.
Taiwan Coast Guard | via Reuters
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Thursday that China had no right to represent Taiwan but that the island was willing to work with Beijing to address global challenges such as climate change, in a tone that was both firm and conciliatory.
Lai, who took office in May after being elected in January, is hated by China, which calls him a “separatist”. Beijing claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, but Jimmy Lai and his government reject that notion.
In a keynote address to the nation outside the Presidential Palace in Taipei, Lai reiterated that the Republic of China (the official name of the island of Taiwan) and the People’s Republic of China “are not affiliated with each other.”
“In this land, democracy and freedom are growing and prospering. The People’s Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan,” he said.
Lai said Taiwan’s determination to defend sovereignty, maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait, and seek equal and dignified dialogue with China has not changed.
“I will also uphold my commitment to resist annexation or infringement of our sovereignty,” Lai said.
But he also proposed cooperation with China.
We are willing to work with China in addressing climate change, fighting infectious diseases, and maintaining regional security to pursue peace and common prosperity and benefit the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Lai said he hopes China will live up to the expectations of the international community, exert its influence and work with other countries to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East.
“We hope that Taiwan can shoulder its international responsibilities and work with Taiwan to contribute to regional and global peace, security and prosperity,” he said.
There was no immediate response from Beijing to his comments.
China this week accused him of exacerbating tensions, and Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said on Wednesday it had resumed “joint combat readiness patrols” around the island as part of what Taipei said was a regular pattern of Chinese military harassment.
Taiwanese and Western officials warned China could hold more military exercises in response to his speech.
Although there are no diplomatic ties, the United States, Taiwan’s most important international backer, said on Wednesday that China had no reason to use Lai’s speech as a pretext for military pressure.
Jimmy Lai has repeatedly offered to hold talks with Beijing, but has been rejected. He said that only the people of Taiwan can decide their own future.
Lai also praised Taiwan’s diversity, specifically mentioning Nymphia Wind, the first East Asian to win the title on RuPaul’s Drag Race, and two people in the midst of gender controversies at this year’s Paris Olympics. One of the boxers in the center is Olympic gold medalist Lin Yuting.
“The people of Taiwan are diverse and they are fearless. Our own Ning Feiya style is the queen on the world stage. The people of Taiwan are truly brave. Taiwan’s daughter Lin Yuting is the queen of boxing,” he said.
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