TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Thursday said that Beijing's “cross-border pressure” proves that Chinese authority does not extend to Taiwan, and further confirms that Taiwan is not part of China.
Lai noted that Japanese lawmaker Seki Hei, who was sanctioned by Beijing and barred from entering China, said his visit to Taiwan this week demonstrated that “the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other," per CNA. Lai said these remarks came after China listed Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) and Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) as Taiwan independence separatists.
Beijing also designated Chen Shu-i (陳舒怡), a prosecutor from the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office, as "an accomplice to ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities."
Ahead of a graduation ceremony for Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau trainees on Thursday, Lai said, “As president, I feel proud of anyone subjected to China’s cross-border repression.” He added that, “Even in the face of Chinese threats, officials and elected representatives, including Cheng Ying-yao, Liu Shih-fang, and prosecutor Chen, have remained at their posts and continued to fight for the country without fear.”
The president said he hopes Chinese leaders understand that military exercises targeting Taiwan are by no means peaceful actions. He said that China's united front infiltration and cross-border suppression will never achieve its goal of unification with Taiwan.
Lai said that, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, he "will resolutely safeguard the country, protect the lives and property of all citizens, and will never allow Chinese pressure or China's reach to extend onto Taiwan's soil.”
Describing the current situation as a critical moment, Lai urged all parties to support the country by ensuring that defense-related bills and the central government's general budget proposal are submitted for committee review. He called this the most basic responsibility and obligation of legislators to the country and the people.
