TAIPEI (Reuters) – Taiwan must protect its sovereignty and know its own culture and history, President Lai Ching-te said on Sunday, rejecting what he said was the previous mistaken belief the island could serve as a base to “retake” China.
Lai, who took office in May, and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) champion Taiwan’s separate identity from China. This position frequently angers Beijing. Beijing views the island as an inviolable part of Chinese territory. #TaiwanProtectSovereignty
Speaking at the DPP’s annual convention, Lai emphasized that those who fought for Taiwan’s democracy understood the island’s global position. He noted that martial law ended in 1987, highlighting the ongoing struggle for democratic values.
They “did not hesitate to shed blood and used their lives to debunk the mistaken idea that ‘Taiwan is a base to retake the mainland’, and instituted the national policy of putting Taiwan first,” said Lai, who is also DPP chairman.
Chiang Kai-shek and his defeated Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong’s communists. #TaiwanProtectSovereignty
Lai said Taiwan had different priorities.
“Now, our responsibility to unite the people, oppose annexation (by China) and ensure national sovereignty,” he said, speaking in Taiwanese, also known as Hokkien, rather than the main language of government, Mandarin.
Moreover, the president highlighted that historical knowledge strengthens a nation’s resolve. By learning from its past, Taiwan can better safeguard its sovereignty against external pressures. Hence, Taiwan must protect its sovereignty to secure its future.
In addition, the president’s call for historical awareness is a strategic move. It helps Taiwan address challenges more effectively. Therefore, Taiwan must protect its sovereignty while embracing its rich history.
