TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s sovereignty must never be compromised, Democratic Progressive Party Secretary-General Lin Yu-chang (林右昌) said at an overseas Taiwanese event in San Francisco on Saturday (Sept. 7).

Lin, who is on a 13-day US tour, said his overall message is that the Taiwanese have absolute control over their future. This is the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan, he said.

Lin said national security is a top concern and pointed out China’s desire to annex Taiwan will not change no matter which party is in power, CNA reported.

He said under former President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) administration, China used military threats, and during former President Ma Ying-jeou's (馬英九) term, China utilized economic enticements. With former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), China used a combination of military threats, economic coercion, and cognitive warfare. 

Now, with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) in office, China is employing all available tactics, including legal warfare. Despite these challenges, the government remains firmly committed to protecting Taiwan, Lin said.

He said Lai is following the path laid by Tsai, evident in his May 20 inaugural address and recent speeches. On the future of the DPP, Lin noted that the party will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026. 

The party must become more open and maintain its youthful energy to effectively respond to the increasingly challenging global environment, he said.

Lin’s final stop on his US trip will be Los Angeles. His visit aims to strengthen the DPP’s outreach to overseas Taiwanese.