Taiwan’s Future: A Call for Self‑Determination

President Lai Ching‑te delivered a key message at the Democratic Progressive Party’s 40th‑anniversary celebration in Taipei:

“Taiwan independence simply means the island is not part of China, and its people alone should decide what happens next.”

Core Points

• Sovereign Status
• Lai reiterated the party’s long‑standing position that Taiwan is already a sovereign state, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC).

• The ROC’s territory includes Taiwan itself plus Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu islands.

• Historical Context
• The ROC has governed Taiwan for many decades and is fully integrated with the island’s 23 million residents.

• International Dynamics
• The comments came after former U.S. President Donald Trump met Chinese leader Xi Jinping, raising concerns in Taiwan about potential U.S. support for independence.

• Trump stated he does not want any country to push for independence because of U.S. backing, yet China continues to claim Taiwan and has warned it could use force if independence is pursued.

• U.S. Arms Sales
• Lai noted that while the United States traditionally supports Taiwan, it has not yet decided on additional arms sales—a decision governed by U.S. law from 1979.

Unanswered Questions

• Lai did not comment on the U.S.–China meeting or respond to reporters’ questions about Trump’s remarks.