Since taking office, Lai Ching-te, the leader of Taiwan region, has been actively pursuing Taiwan independence. His first \"National Day\" speech on Thursday marked a significant moment, where Lai emphasized his commitment to ensuring Taiwan's sovereignty.
Taiwan as a \"sovereign\" nation?
In his address, Lai advocated for the \"two states\" theory, stating, \"The People's Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan.\" He stressed that protecting Taiwan's sovereignty from violation or annexation is his primary mission.
However, Lai's separatist rhetoric has faced criticism both internationally and within Taiwan. Critics argue that his stance disregards international legal norms and the historical context established by the one-China principle.
The post-World War II international order, as outlined in the 1943 Cairo Declaration and the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation, recognizes Taiwan as an inalienable part of China. Furthermore, the 26th session of the UN General Assembly in 1971 affirmed this by adopting Resolution 2758, which restored the PRC's seat in the UN and expelled Taiwan authorities.
Globally, the one-China principle is widely recognized, with 183 countries establishing diplomatic relations with China based on this principle, indicating a significant international consensus.
Within Taiwan, Lai's approach has not been without opposition. Former leader Ma Ying-jeou has accused Lai of violating the Constitution by promoting the \"two states\" theory and chose not to attend the National Day celebrations in protest. Additionally, Eric Chu, Chairman of the Kuomintang, urged Lai and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to move beyond the narrow ideology of Taiwan independence, citing its unviability and opposition from the international community.
Lai's efforts to position Taiwan as a sovereign nation have thus sparked a complex debate that intertwines historical agreements, international relations, and internal politics.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
