Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said on Wednesday that Taiwan is willing to engage in healthy and orderly exchanges with China under the principles of equality and dignity, but firmly rejects "united front tactics that package unification as peace"; "We cherish peace, but will not give up freedom; we are willing to engage in dialogue, but will not accept being belittled."
President Lai delivered remarks at the Presidential Office on the second anniversary of his administration, accompanied by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an.
President Lai also called on all political parties, saying "We should all unite to uphold our common bottom line, and resolutely stand on the side of national interests."
President Lai said that maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and preventing external forces from changing the status quo is Taiwan’s national strategic goal. Taiwan is a responsible member of the international community, not the party undermining stability; Taiwan is willing to engage in healthy and orderly exchanges with China based on the principles of equality and dignity, but firmly rejects "united front tactics that package unification as peace."
He said that over the 30 years since the introduction of direct presidential elections, the people of Taiwan have time and again used their votes to show the world: “We cherish peace, but will not give up freedom; we are willing to engage in dialogue, but will not accept being belittled; we pursue stability, but will not sacrifice our sovereignty and democratic way of life." This is Taiwan’s bottom line, and it is also Taiwan’s clearest stance to the world.
The President stated that democracy is Taiwan's most important name; democracy is not a gift that falls from the sky, but something earned generation after generation through sacrifice, dedication, and courageous struggle.
He pointed out that 30 years ago, the people chose to determine the direction of the nation through democracy; today it is even more important to use the power of democracy to decide the heights Taiwan will reach in the future. Taiwan's future cannot be determined by external forces, nor can it be held hostage by fear, division, or short-term interests. Taiwan's future must be decided collectively by its 23 million people.
The President emphasized that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and preventing external forces from changing the status quo are Taiwan’s national strategic goals.