President Lai Meets Foreign Media, Reaffirms Cross-Strait Non-Subordination and Commitment to Peaceful Status Quo

(CNA reporter Wen Kuei-hsiang, Taipei, June 18) President Lai Qingde held a tea talk with international media today, emphasizing that Taiwan's sovereignty belongs to its people and that the Republic of China (ROC) and the People's Republic of China (PRC) are not subordinate to each other. He echoed the G7's position on maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and reaffirmed Taiwan's willingness to cooperate with the international community to preserve the current status quo.

President Lai also called on China to abandon its military expansion in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, and to renounce the use of force against Taiwan. Under the principles of equality and dignity, he expressed Taiwan's willingness to engage in exchanges and cooperation with China to promote peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity.

President Lai was accompanied by Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an and National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General Joseph Wu at the tea talk held at the Taipei Guest House.

According to a press release from the Presidential Office, President Lai opened the event by welcoming the attendees, noting that whether they have lived, reported, or worked in Taiwan for a short or long time, they must have developed a deep impression of Taiwan's democracy, freedom, and vitality. He expressed gratitude for their professional journalism and commitment to press freedom, which helps the world see Taiwan.

President Lai highlighted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's direct presidential election. Thirty years ago, the people of Taiwan bravely ended 38 years of martial law and, despite missile threats from China, completed their first direct presidential election with a voter turnout exceeding 76%. This, he said, sent three clear messages to the international community:

First, Taiwan's sovereignty lies with its people—the people are the masters of the nation and the employers of the president, with the right to choose their national leader.

Second, Taiwan has built a democratic society, granting the government legitimacy and democratic justification through direct popular sovereignty. Taiwan's future can only be decided by its 23 million people.

Third, the ROC and the PRC are not subordinate to each other, and Taiwan is not part of the PRC.

President Lai emphasized that over the past 30 years, the people of Taiwan have shaped the nation's future through successive elections. Peaceful transitions of power have further cemented the irreversibility of Taiwan's democracy.

He noted that Taiwan's achievements over the past three decades have earned international recognition. Last year, Taiwan ranked second in Asia in both democracy and freedom indices. Among economies with populations over 20 million, Taiwan has ranked first in global competitiveness for five consecutive years. Taiwan's GDP growth reached 8.76% last year, and this year's growth is projected to reach 9.64%. Additionally, the market capitalization of Taiwan's stock market has already ranked fifth globally this year.

President Lai stated that Taiwan has earned the trust of international partners in global supply chains, advanced semiconductor manufacturing, AI applications, and computing infrastructure. These achievements, he said, prove that Taiwan's embrace of the world and its steadfast commitment to democracy and freedom have driven its prosperity and development.

On international developments, President Lai noted that the most significant news today is the imminent peace agreement between the United States and Iran, signaling hope for peace in the Middle East. He sincerely hopes the Russia-Ukraine war will end soon, allowing the Ukrainian people to escape the suffering of war.

Regarding developments in the Indo-Pacific region, President Lai expressed appreciation for the recent G7 statement reaffirming that “no party should unilaterally change the status quo,” particularly opposing any attempt to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait through force or coercion, as well as military expansion in the East and South China Seas. He reiterated that Taiwan is willing to respond to the G7's call and will firmly cooperate with the international community to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

He described the tea talk as a rare and valuable opportunity for mutual exchange and deeper understanding. He encouraged the media to continue using their professional insight to report Taiwan's story, helping the international community better understand a democratic, free, resolute, and prosperous Taiwan.

Regarding the timing of the event ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival, Presidential Office spokesperson Joanne Chiu said President Lai wanted to personally thank foreign correspondents for continuously conveying Taiwan's voice to the world during this critical time of global and geopolitical change, helping the world better understand Taiwan. At the same time, he hoped journalists could experience Taiwan's festive atmosphere amid their busy schedules. Given that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's direct presidential election and the nation's unwavering commitment to freedom and democracy, sharing the president's views on international affairs and regional dynamics with the international media carries special significance. (Edited by Hsieh Chia-chen) 1150618