Taiwan leader William Lai says Beijing has no authority over island in anniversary speech
Taipei reports on Thursday that PLA sent at least 27 aircraft to patrol northern, western and southwestern sides of island
In marking the 113th anniversary of its founding Lai said, “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”.
“On this land, democracy and freedom are growing and thriving. The People’s Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan,” he said.
02:55
China’s Xi Jinping warns ‘Taiwan separatists’, stresses support for Hong Kong and Macau
He called for “healthy and orderly dialogue and exchanges between the two sides,” stating he would continue to maintain the cross-strait status quo while upholding his “commitment to resist annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty”.
Lai also vowed to strengthen cross-sector economic development and continue to remain a key player in the global supply chain. In addition to vigorously promoting chips, AI and other key industries in Taiwan, he said “we will also promote the transformation and development of medium, small, and micro enterprises and help them develop their international markets”.
Lai made the remarks outside the presidential office building in Taipei on Thursday, adding that the two sides of the strait should have equal status, and that he was committed to peace across the strait.
The leader’s address on Double Tenth Day, has traditionally been used as a platform for Taipei to send a message to Beijing, and observers, on cross-strait relations, and came as tensions rise between the two sides.
