In an interview with Japanese media, Taiwan’s Vice President William Lai, who is currently leading in opinion polls ahead of presidential elections in January, asserted that Taiwan has demonstrated its independence and sovereignty by regularly electing leaders at all levels of government, including the president. Lai’s remarks come in response to questions about his position on Taiwan’s independence and the need for a separate declaration.
William Lai highlighted the fact that Taiwan conducts presidential elections, which wouldn’t be possible if the island were not already sovereign and independent. He emphasized that there is no need to declare Taiwan’s independence again, stating, “My job is to protect Taiwan’s sovereignty, enhance democracy, peace, and prosperity.”
China has never abandoned the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, viewing the island as part of its territory. In 2005, China passed a law giving Beijing the legal basis for military action against Taiwan if it declares independence or appears to be moving in that direction.
William Lai’s stance on Taiwan’s independence has drawn criticism from China, which views him as a separatist. However, Lai clarified that he does not seek to change the status quo or Taiwan’s official name, which is formally the Republic of China.
Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang, has criticized Lai for advocating independence and provoking China. Nevertheless, Lai stressed that the choice in the upcoming elections is not between war and peace but between democracy and dictatorship.
Both Taiwan’s current President Tsai Ing-wen and Vice President Lai have maintained that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future and have rejected Beijing’s demand to accept the “one China” principle.
The Republic of China government relocated to Taiwan in 1949 following its defeat in the Chinese Civil War against Mao Zedong’s communists, who established the People’s Republic of China on the mainland. Taiwan has since functioned as a self-governing entity with its own government and elections.
Read Now:Flash Floods in Sikkim: Ongoing Rescue Efforts and Updates from the affected region
