Brief
Taiwan President Lai urges Indo‑Pacific democracies to safeguard peace on National Day
Lai stresses dialogue with the U.S. and China while warning that peace depends on respect for Taiwan’s right to exist.
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a National Day speech on Saturday, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching‑te appealed to democracies across the Indo‑Pacific to "join forces" to preserve regional stability, the Independent reported.
What happened
Lai marked the island’s founding anniversary by emphasizing the need for a correct understanding of history and respect for Taiwan’s right to exist. He said the island welcomes U.S.–China dialogue to manage competition and lower the risk of conflict.
What the reports add
The article notes that China, which claims Taiwan as a breakaway province, has increased military and political pressure, and that President Xi Jinping recently urged the United States to oppose “Taiwan independence” during a Washington visit. Lai contrasted this with Taiwan’s growing defence spending, describing it as deterrence rather than provocation.
What was said
"There must be respect for the right of the people of Taiwan to exist," Lai told the audience, adding that democracies must ensure the status quo of peace is not altered.
How it came about
Since the 1949 civil war that split the Communist‑run mainland from the Nationalist government on Taiwan, the two have been governed separately. Recent U.S.‑China summit discussions mentioned Taiwan but did not focus on it, as covered in Felo’s earlier piece on September 27.
Key facts
- President Lai Ching‑te called on Indo‑Pacific democracies to join forces for regional stability (independent.co.uk)
- Lai said Taiwan welcomes U.S.–China dialogue to manage competition (independent.co.uk)
- China has increased military and political pressure on Taiwan (independent.co.uk)
- Xi Jinping urged the U.S. to oppose "Taiwan independence" during a Washington visit (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Taiwan's Lai calls on Indo-Pacific democracies to help maintain peace in National Day speech”
