At the same time, Lai said Taiwan was open to engagement with China on an “equal and dignified” footing, calling for dialogue and cooperation aimed at maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait, but only if Beijing recognises the Republic of China’s existence and respects the Taiwanese people’s commitment to a democratic and free way of life.
China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claim.
After Lai’s speech, China accused him of attempting to mislead both Taiwanese citizens and international opinion.
A spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, quoted by state broadcaster CCTV, said Lai’s address was full of lies and irresponsible claims, and criticised what Beijing called a hostile tone.
Lai’s remarks came two days after China launched exercises dubbed “Justice Mission 2025.
During the drills, China fired dozens of rockets towards Taiwan and deployed a large number of warships and aircraft near the island in a show of force that raised concern among Western partners, including the European Commission and Britain.