Lai：R.O.C. (Taiwan) and P.R.C. Not Subordinate to One Another
United Daily News, May 21, 2024
President Lai Ching-te was inaugurated yesterday and declared in his inaugural address that the new administration will uphold the "Four Musts" with a stance of neither submission nor arrogance, aiming to maintain the status quo. Unlike former President Tsai Ing-wen, who emphasized handling cross-strait affairs in accordance with the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area during her inauguration eight years ago, President Lai stated that sovereignty is fundamental to a nation. According to the Constitution of the Republic of China, the sovereignty of the R.O.C. belongs to all its people. Those with R.O.C. nationality are citizens of the R.O.C. "This clearly shows that the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other."
Inaugural Address: Referring to Mainland as China Throughout
Throughout his inaugural address, President Lai referred to the mainland as "China." Regarding the nation's name, President Lai stated, "Whether it is the Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), or simply Taiwan, these are names we and our international friends use to refer to our country, and they all resound equally." He urged everyone to unite and cherish the nation and emphasized that no political party should compromise the nation's sovereignty for political power.
President Lai's cross-strait discourse, emphasizing Taiwan's sovereign independence, provoked a strong reaction from the mainland and escalated the level of their response. Mainland China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi underscored that the One-China principle is the cornerstone for maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait. He asserted that "Taiwan independence" separatist activities pose the most severe challenge to the international order, represent the most dangerous alteration to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, and constitute the greatest threat to peace in the region.
In his inaugural address titled "Building a New Taiwan of Democracy, Peace, and Prosperity," President Lai expressed his unwavering commitment to accepting the people's mandate and leading the nation forward based on the constitutional framework of the Republic of China. He emphasized that democracy means governance by the people, and that every election reflects the people's strictest scrutiny of the ruling party and their genuine choice for the country's future. He pledged that throughout his term, he would act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly, treating the people as his own family.
President Lai reflected on historical milestones, noting that on this day in 1949, Taiwan entered a period of martial law and authoritarian darkness, and on this day in 1996, Taiwan's first democratically elected president was inaugurated, signaling to the international community that "the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country, with sovereignty resting with the people." He highlighted that today, in 2024, after three instances of party alternation, marks the first time the same political party holds onto power for three consecutive terms since the 1996 elections, embarking on a new era filled with challenges and boundless hope.
President Lai underscored the pivotal role of cross-strait relations in global stability, stating that the new democratically elected government of Taiwan will act as a steward of peace, adhering to the "Four Musts" with a stance of neither submission nor arrogance, aiming to maintain the status quo. He called on China to cease its political and military intimidation of Taiwan, and to jointly shoulder global responsibilities with Taiwan, striving to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region, thereby ensuring a world free from the fear of war.
Extend Goodwill, Starting with Tourism and Educational Exchanges
President Lai stated that the people of Taiwan cherish peace and goodwill. He firmly believes that if national leaders prioritize the welfare of their citizens, then peace in the Taiwan Strait, mutual benefits, coexistence, and shared prosperity should be common goals. He hopes China will acknowledge the existence of the Republic of China, respect the choices of the Taiwanese people, and engage with Taiwan's democratically elected government with sincerity. This dialogue should be based on principles of equality and dignity, replacing confrontation with dialogue and cooperation instead of containment.
Extending an olive branch to China, President Lai suggested, "We can start by resuming bilateral tourism and allowing Chinese students to study in Taiwan, thereby jointly pursuing peaceful coexistence and prosperity."
Addressing the people of Taiwan, President Lai emphasized, "While we strive for peace, we must not harbor illusions." Given that China has not renounced the use of force against Taiwan, he urged the citizens to understand that even if Taiwan fully accepts China's terms and relinquishes its sovereignty, China's ambition to annex Taiwan will not dissipate. Facing various threats and infiltrations from China, Taiwan must demonstrate its determination to defend itself, enhance the public's awareness of national defense, and strengthen the legal framework for national security.
Furthermore, President Lai underscored the importance of actively implementing the "Four Pillars of Peace" action plan, which includes bolstering national defense capabilities, constructing economic security, showcasing stable and principled cross-strait leadership, and promoting value-based diplomacy. By standing shoulder-to-shoulder with global democratic nations, Taiwan can form a community of peace, exert deterrent power, prevent war, and achieve peace through strength.
Chu: Lai Brings "Two-State Theory" to the Forefront
Faced with a new political landscape where no single party holds a majority in the legislature, President Lai emphasized the importance of cooperation among political parties beyond mere competition, stating that such collaboration is essential for the country to take steady steps forward. He asserted that legislative operations should adhere to procedural justice, with the majority respecting the minority and the minority submitting to the majority, to prevent conflicts and maintain social stability and harmony.
Chairman Eric Chu of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), extended his congratulations to Lai on his inauguration yesterday. However, he also criticized Lai’s inaugural speech as being "typical R.O.C. Constitution," revealing the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) ideology and interests as being placed above national interests. Chu noted that eight years ago, President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized the use of the R.O.C. Constitution and the Act Governing Cross-Strait Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area to promote cross-strait exchanges. In contrast, Chu perceived Lai’s simple statement in his speech as an attempt to clearly bring the “Two-State Theory” to the forefront in handling cross-strait relations, which he found concerning. He expressed hope that Lai would present a genuine solution to these issues.