TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) called for political unity in defending national sovereignty at the Democratic Progressive Party Central Standing Committee meeting on Wednesday.
China is using different tactics to attempt to annex Taiwan and alter its democratic values, Lai said, per CNA. In the face of external threats, unity is essential to prevent outside forces from creating division and to firmly defend national sovereignty and preserve a free and democratic way of life, he added.
Regardless of when someone came to Taiwan, as long as they identify with Taiwan, they are masters of this country, the president said.
He emphasized that while Taiwan’s political parties may have different policies, they must not lack unity when it comes to defending national sovereignty and ensuring freedom and democracy. Only by standing together can Taiwanese avoid seeing their democratic life and human rights — which activists risked their lives to fight for — gradually weakened or even lost. This is a mission, he said, and also a responsibility for future generations.
While remembering the sacrifices of those who came before, Taiwanese must also continually remind themselves that hard-won freedoms and democracy must be cherished and carefully safeguarded, Lai said.
