Taiwanese President Lai: ‘Of course Taiwan is a country’

President Lai Ching-te is traveling across Taiwan to urge unity against growing Chinese pressure, declaring the island an independent country as Beijing increases military activity and Taiwan prepares for a crucial recall vote.

Speaking in New Taipei City on June 22 at the start of his national tour, Lai declared, “Of course Taiwan is a country.” He argued that Beijing lacks “historical and legal proof” to support its sovereignty claims, highlighting Taiwan’s unique identity shaped by Austronesian indigenous heritage, colonial history and democratic governance. Lai emphasized that the right to decide Taiwan’s future belongs only to its people, not to the government in Beijing.

Lai reiterated his position in a follow-up speech a week later by stating, “Beijing does not own Taiwan,” and again affirmed, “Taiwan is of course an independent country.” He responded to China’s frequent reference to the 1971 United Nations resolution, explaining that the measure addressed diplomatic recognition and did not resolve the issue of Taiwan’s sovereignty. Lai called on Taiwanese residents to stay vigilant and resist what he described as efforts by China to erode the island’s autonomy.

Lai’s tour is timed to build unity ahead of the July 26 recall vote targeting 24 Kuomintang lawmakers — a campaign backed by the Democratic Progressive Party and civic groups accusing the opposition of undermining national security through budget cuts and legislative obstruction.

The Chinese government has reacted strongly to Lai’s statements, with its Taiwan Affairs Office denouncing Lai’s remarks as “heresy,” “hostile” and separatist. State media outlets, including the People’s Daily, criticized Lai for what they called “Taiwan independence” rhetoric and accused him of provoking conflict.

Since Lai’s inauguration in May 2024, cross-strait tensions have intensified, with China conducting frequent air and naval maneuvers near the island and staging large-scale military exercises. Taipei analysts and security officials expect Beijing to respond to Lai’s tour with additional military drills and renewed diplomatic pressure.