Beijing hits out at Lai’s Double Tenth speech claim that mainland lacks authority over island

William Lai says the two sides of the strait should have equal status, comments that Beijing says are meant to worsen cross-strait tensions

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Taiwan first lady Wu Mei-ru, left, William Lai Ching-te, Han Guo-yu and Hsiao Bi-khim cheer during National Day celebrations in Taipei on Thursday. Photo: AP

Lawrence Chungin Taipei,Hayley Wongin BeijingandAmber Wangin Beijing

Published: 12:15pm, 10 Oct 2024Updated: 12:02pm, 11 Oct 2024

Beijing hit out at Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te over a defiant speech on Thursday, saying it showcased his “stubborn Taiwan independence stance”.

Lai used a speech on the annual Double Tenth Day to say the two sides “are not subordinate to each other” and Beijing had no authority to represent the island.

“The Republic of China [the island’s official title] has already settled down in Taiwan, Quemoy, Matsu and Penghu, and it is not subordinate to the People’s Republic of China,” Lai said on Thursday, marking the 113th anniversary of ROC’s founding.

“On this land, democracy and freedom are growing and thriving. The People’s Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan.”

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Taiwan leader William Lai says Beijing has no authority over island in Double Tenth speech

He called for “healthy and orderly dialogue and exchanges between the two sides”, saying he would continue to maintain the cross-strait status quo while upholding his “commitment to resist annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty”.