Taiwan's President Stands Firm on Sovereignty

President Lai Ching-te emphasized the importance of Taiwan protecting its sovereignty and understanding its own culture. Speaking at the Democratic Progressive Party's annual convention, Lai rejected the past notion that Taiwan could serve as a base to retake China. He affirmed Taiwan's separate identity and democracy, while opposing China's annexation attempts.

Taiwan must protect its sovereignty and understand its own culture and history, President Lai Ching-te said on Sunday, dismissing the earlier belief that the island could be used to re-conquer China.

Lai, in office since May, leads the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which supports Taiwan's distinct identity from China. This stance frequently angers Beijing, which views Taiwan as part of Chinese territory. Addressing the DPP's annual convention, Lai highlighted the sacrifices made by those who fought for Taiwan's democracy, established post the 1987 end of martial law.

Those fighters debunked the myth that Taiwan was a base to retake mainland China, prioritizing Taiwan first, said Lai. He stressed the current duty to unite the people, oppose Chinese annexation, and ensure national sovereignty. Speaking in Taiwanese Hokkien, he emphasized the need for a national identity understanding Taiwan's unique history and culture.

(With inputs from agencies.)