In the face of China’s threats against Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te boldly proclaimed that democracy is not a crime, but rather autocracy is the true “evil”. China has been ramping up pressure on Taiwan, labeling Lai as a “separatist” and issuing new guidelines to punish supporters of Taiwan’s independence. However, Lai remains firm in defending Taiwan’s democratic values and rejecting Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
Lai called on China to acknowledge the Republic of China and engage in dialogue with Taiwan’s legitimate government. Despite multiple offers for talks, China has consistently refused, maintaining that any move towards formal independence by Taiwan would be met with aggression.
Taiwan asserts its independence as the Republic of China and urges China to respect the rights and decisions of its people. Lai emphasizes that only the Taiwanese can determine their future, and any attempts by China to meddle in Taiwan’s affairs will only lead to further alienation between the two sides.
© Thomson Reuters 2024.