China Has No Right to Represent Taiwan, Lai Says in National Day
AddressTaiwan's Vice President, William Lai made a firm rejection of the notion that China had any claim to represent Taiwan in any way, saying only the people of Taiwan themselves could determine their future. In his National Day speech on October 10, 2024, Lai reaffirmed Taiwan's commitment to democracy, freedom, and sovereignty.
"China has no right to represent Taiwan," Lai declared, as the island nation is sovereign and independent. People in Taiwan will not feel afraid of China's threats and will continue to prove their democracy and lifestyle, Lai added.
It comes at a time when tensions between Taiwan and China have been heightened by the increased military activities by China near the island, from conducting regular military exercises to sending fighter jets into Taiwan's air defense identification zone. Taiwan has responded to military pressure with enhancing military capabilities and closer democratic alliance ties.
Lai's statement is a clear rejection of the "One China" principle that China insists is the only basis for peaceful reunification with Taiwan. Taiwan, on the other hand, insists that it is a de facto independent country and that things should be just left as they are.
An on-going hot conflict issue of Taiwan and China has impressed with serious implications worldwide. The United States and all other democratic nations expressed concern over the aggressive activities of China toward Taiwan and welcomed peaceful resolution of the dispute.
