Taiwan's Sovereignty Asserted by DPP Leader Amidst Growing US Support

Lin Yu-Chang, secretary-general of Taiwan's DPP, reaffirmed Taiwan's inviolable sovereignty and increasing global significance at a San Francisco event. The US has enhanced support for Taiwan, including arms sales and military cooperation, despite rising tensions with China. Lin's visit underscores bipartisan US backing for Taiwan.

At a recent event in San Francisco, Lin Yu-Chang, secretary-general of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), emphasized Taiwan's 'inviolable' sovereignty, as reported by Focus Taiwan. Speaking at a meeting hosted by the Taiwanese American Federation of Northern California (TAFNC), Lin underscored that 'Taiwanese have the defining power to decide their own future.'

Lin pointed out that themes of sovereignty and self-determination have been pivotal in President Lai Ching-te's speeches since his inauguration in May. During a press briefing before his keynote address at the event, Lin discussed how Taiwan's global importance has risen due to major events like the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine War. He highlighted that 'supporting Taiwan' is a bipartisan stance in the United States, aligning with shared democratic and freedom values. Lin, who served as Taiwan's Minister of the Interior between January 2023 and May 2024, is currently on a 13-day visit to the US, having already visited New York, Washington, DC, and Houston.

Owing to sensitivities related to the upcoming US presidential election, tense US-China relations, and Beijing's opposition to Taiwanese sovereignty, Lin chose not to disclose details of his meetings with US officials. US-Taiwan relations have strengthened significantly in recent years, characterized by increased military cooperation and economic ties amidst growing tensions with China. Under President Biden, the US has enhanced its support for Taiwan, including arms sales and military exchanges.

In 2021, the US approved a major arms sale to Taiwan, including F-16 fighter jets and anti-ship missiles, reinforcing a commitment to Taiwan's defense capabilities. Recently, Taiwan's defense ministry announced that the delivery of F-16V fighter jets purchased from the US is slated to begin in 2026. Additionally, the US has backed Taiwan's participation in international organizations and forums from which it has been historically excluded due to China's objections, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

High-level meetings and dialogues between US and Taiwanese officials have bolstered bilateral economic and technological cooperation, particularly in the semiconductor sector. Despite the deepening partnership, the US continues to adhere to its 'One China' policy, recognizing Beijing's claim over Taiwan while engaging with Taipei on a non-official basis. This has provoked strong reactions from China, marked by increased military activity around Taiwan and condemnation of US actions.

(With inputs from agencies.)