China cannot stand for Taiwan and should cooperate with Taipei in global challenges, Lai said By Reuters
By Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard
TAIPEI (Reuters) – China has no right to represent Taiwan, but the island is willing to work with Beijing to fight challenges such as climate change, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te said on Thursday, in a tough and conciliatory tone that sparked anger. from China.
Lai, who took office in May after being elected in January, is hated by China, which calls him a “separatist”. Beijing claims to rule democratic Taiwan as its territory, a view that Lai and his government reject.
Giving a keynote speech outside the presidential office in Taipei, Lai reiterated that the Republic of China – the island’s official name – and the People’s Republic of China “are not subordinate to each other”.
“In this world, democracy and freedom are growing and flourishing. The People’s Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan,” he said.
Taiwan’s determination to protect its sovereignty, maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait and seek equal and dignified dialogue with China all remain unchanged, Lai said.
“I will also uphold the commitment to resist the takeover or infiltration of our country,” Lai said.
But he also expressed the promise of cooperation with China.
“We are willing to cooperate with China in dealing with climate change, fighting infectious diseases, and maintaining regional security to pursue peace and harmony for the well-being of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.”
In Beijing, the Chinese Foreign Ministry rejected Lai’s objections, saying that Taiwan “does not have so-called sovereignty”, as it is part of China, and that Lai wanted to deliberately “sever” the historical connection between the two.
“It also exposed his stubborn stance on Taiwan independence and the evil intention to increase tensions in the Taiwan Strait for political gain,” ministry spokesman Mao Ning told a regular news conference.
Lai added that he hopes that China can live up to the expectations of the international community, and use its strength and cooperate with other countries to end Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East.
“And we hope that it will take on international responsibilities and, together with Taiwan, contribute to the peace, security, and prosperity of the region and the world,” he said.
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Taiwanese and Western officials have warned China that it could carry out further military exercises in response to his speech.
A senior official in Taiwan’s presidential office, telling reporters after the speech, said Lai extended an olive branch to China and used a “good story” when describing the Beijing government.
It was not Taiwan that provoked or wanted to change the situation, and China did not need a military pretext, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“They are ready and waiting,” the official said, adding that Taiwan is closely monitoring the situation.
China has no reason to use Lai’s speech as an excuse for military repression, the United States, Taiwan’s most important international supporter despite the absence of diplomatic relations, said on Wednesday.
Lai has repeatedly offered talks with Beijing but has been rejected. He says that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.
Lai also praised Taiwan’s diversity, highlighting Nymphia Wind, the first East Asian to take the title on RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Olympic gold medalist Lin Yu-ting, one of two boxers at the center of the gender controversy – This year’s Olympics are in Paris.
“Taiwanese people are diverse, and they are fearless. Our Nymphia spirit is the queen of the world. Taiwanese people are really brave. Lin Yu-ting, the daughter of Taiwan, is the queen of the boxing world. ,” he said.
