President Lai urges China to acknowledge reality of ROC’s existence

President Lai urges China to acknowledge reality of ROC’s existence

2024-05-20

Lai Ching-te was sworn in as Taiwan’s new president on Monday. In his inaugural address, he vowed to maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. He also appealed to China, urging it to acknowledge the reality of the R.O.C.’s existence. Lai warned Taiwan’s public to harbor no delusions about Beijing’s ultimate goal of annexing Taiwan. He also addressed the recent scuffles in the Legislative Yuan, saying that national interests should come before the interests of parties.

Lai Ching-te
President
In accordance with the Republic of China Constitution system, I will take on that solemn responsibility of leading the nation bravely forward.

In his inauguration speech, President Lai Ching-te addressed Taiwan’s future – in particular, Taiwan’s future approach to China.

Lai Ching-te
President
Our government will uphold the Four Commitments, neither yield nor provoke, and maintain the status quo. I also want to call on China to cease their political and military intimidation against Taiwan. I hope that China will face the reality of the Republic of China’s existence, respect the choices of the people of Taiwan and in good faith, choose dialogue over confrontation, exchange over containment, and under the principles of parity and dignity, engage in cooperation with the legal government chosen by Taiwan’s people.

Lai reiterated his commitment to maintaining the status quo and pursuing regional peace and prosperity. But he warned Taiwan against being under any misapprehension about China’s ultimate goal.

Lai Ching-te
President
As we pursue the ideal of peace, we must not harbor any delusions. So long as China refuses to renounce the use of force against Taiwan, all of us in Taiwan ought to understand, that even if we accept the entirety of China’s position and give up our sovereignty, China’s ambition to annex Taiwan will not simply disappear. The Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other. All our political parties ought to oppose annexation and protect sovereignty; and no one should entertain the idea of giving up our national sovereignty in exchange for political power.

Leading the country without a legislative majority is set to be Lai’s main challenge. In the Friday before his inauguration, scuffles broke out in the legislature over several controversial bills aiming to expand parliamentary powers.

Lai Ching-te
President
The Legislative Yuan should observe procedural justice. The majority should respect the minority, while the minority accepts majority rule. National interests come before the interests of parties – that is the sacred duty of each political party. When ruling or opposition parties put forth legislation that conforms with our Constitution. When we uphold the spirit of “people above all” and “nation above party,” national policy will naturally and smoothly progress.

Lai underscored the importance of procedural justice. And with the conclusion of his inaugural address, Lai embarked on what’s set to be a challenging term.

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