China’s claim over Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te stated on Saturday that it was “impossible” for the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to become Taiwan’s motherland. The president highlighted that Taiwan’s political heritage predates that of modern China, reinforcing Taiwan’s separate identity amid ongoing tensions with Beijing. Lai’s remarks, made during a public event just ahead of Taiwan’s national day celebrations, have further inflamed cross-strait relations, with China reiterating its territorial claims over the self-ruled island.
This sharp exchange comes at a time of increased geopolitical sensitivity as Taiwan prepares to celebrate its 113th national day on October 10, just days after the PRC marked its 75th anniversary on October 1. The remarks have drawn attention to the deep historical and political divides that separate Taiwan and China, divisions that continue to shape the contentious relationship between the two sides.
Speaking at a concert in the run-up to Taiwan’s national day, President Lai emphasized that Taiwan’s political history, under the name Republic of China (ROC), extends far beyond the founding of the PRC. The ROC traces its roots to the revolution of 1911, when the last imperial dynasty, the Qing, was overthrown, and the Chinese republic was born. In contrast, the PRC was established in 1949 by Mao Zedong’s Communist forces following a brutal civil war.
Lai used this historical timeline to underscore his argument that it is historically illogical for the PRC to claim Taiwan as its territory. “It is absolutely impossible for the People’s Republic of China to become the ‘motherland’ of the Republic of China’s people,” he declared. “On the contrary, the Republic of China may be the motherland of the people of the People’s Republic of China who are over 75 years old.” The audience responded with applause, signaling approval of the president’s defiant stance.
The roots of the current Taiwan-China dispute lie in the aftermath of the Chinese Civil War. When the Chinese Nationalist government, led by the Kuomintang (KMT) under Chiang Kai-shek, lost the civil war to the Communist forces in 1949, they fled to the island of Taiwan. The KMT established their government there, continuing to call themselves the Republic of China, while the Communists declared the founding of the PRC on the mainland.
Ever since, Taiwan has remained under the rule of the ROC, while the PRC views the island as a breakaway province that must eventually be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. This fundamental disagreement over sovereignty and political legitimacy has persisted for over seven decades, and under President Xi Jinping, China’s stance has only hardened. Beijing considers Taiwan to be an inseparable part of China, and any suggestion of Taiwan’s independence is met with harsh condemnation.
President Lai has consistently been a thorn in Beijing’s side due to his outspoken rejection of China’s sovereignty claims over Taiwan. Lai, who assumed office as Taiwan’s president in May, has long been branded a “separatist” by Chinese officials, despite his insistence that Taiwan is already a sovereign entity. He has previously stressed that Taiwan should be referred to by its formal name, the Republic of China, and that it has its own government, military, and constitution—elements that distinguish it as a separate country.
In his latest remarks, Lai once again rejected China’s assertion that Taiwan is a part of its territory. He reiterated that the ROC, which governs Taiwan, has its own distinct history, and that the island should not be subjected to the authority of a government that came into existence 38 years after the ROC’s founding.
Lai’s reference to the age of the two political entities was a subtle but pointed jab at Beijing’s rhetoric that Taiwan belongs to China. By highlighting the ROC’s longer existence, he sought to undermine Beijing’s claim of historical continuity over Taiwan and to reinforce Taiwan’s distinct identity on the global stage.
Despite Lai’s defiance, Beijing’s stance remains unchanged. On the eve of China’s national day on October 1, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed his government’s commitment to bringing Taiwan under Beijing’s control. In a speech that echoed previous statements on the issue, Xi emphasized that reunification with Taiwan was an essential part of China’s national rejuvenation and the fulfillment of its destiny as a major global power.
Xi’s remarks come amid growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait, where Chinese military activity has significantly increased in recent months. The PRC has been conducting regular air and naval drills near Taiwan, often involving record numbers of fighter jets and warships entering Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ). These military maneuvers are widely seen as a show of force aimed at intimidating Taiwan and dissuading any movement towards formal independence.
Beijing views Lai’s pro-independence rhetoric and his historical arguments as a direct challenge to its authority. The PRC has long maintained that any move by Taiwan towards formal independence would cross a “red line” and could provoke a military response. Lai’s comments, though couched in historical reasoning, are unlikely to soften Beijing’s hardline position.
This is not the first time that President Lai has used historical arguments to challenge Beijing’s claim over Taiwan. In September, Lai sparked controversy when he suggested that if China’s territorial integrity was truly the issue, then Beijing should focus on recovering land ceded to Russia in the 19th century by the Qing dynasty. This provocative statement touched on the sensitive history of unequal treaties that forced China to cede territory to foreign powers during its period of imperial decline.
Lai’s penchant for using historical references to needle Beijing reflects his broader strategy of challenging the PRC’s narrative of historical ownership over Taiwan. By framing Taiwan’s sovereignty as a continuation of the ROC’s legacy, Lai aims to assert Taiwan’s legitimacy while countering Beijing’s portrayal of the island as a rogue province that must be brought back into the fold.
Lai’s latest remarks come at a time when tensions in the Taiwan Strait are at their highest in decades. China has been ramping up its military activities around Taiwan, conducting frequent military exercises that simulate blockades, amphibious landings, and aerial incursions. These actions have raised alarm in Taipei, Washington, and other global capitals, with many viewing them as preparations for a potential invasion.
In response, Taiwan has bolstered its defense capabilities, securing arms deals with the United States and ramping up domestic production of military equipment. The United States, which is bound by the Taiwan Relations Act to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, has been increasingly vocal in its support of the island. High-profile visits by U.S. officials to Taipei have drawn Beijing’s ire, and military cooperation between Taiwan and Western countries has expanded in recent years.
Taiwan’s national day celebrations on October 10 will take place against this backdrop of heightened military tensions. President Lai is expected to deliver a keynote speech that will likely touch on issues of sovereignty, defense, and Taiwan’s place in the international community. His address will be closely watched both in Taiwan and abroad, particularly for any hints about the island’s future approach to its relationship with China.
The international community remains divided on the issue of Taiwan’s sovereignty. While most countries, including the United States, do not formally recognize Taiwan as a separate country, many maintain unofficial diplomatic ties with Taipei and support its participation in international organizations. The United States, in particular, has been a key backer of Taiwan, providing arms and military support to ensure the island’s defense against any potential Chinese aggression.
However, the issue of Taiwan’s status is fraught with diplomatic sensitivities. China’s “One China” policy insists that countries wishing to maintain formal relations with Beijing must not recognize Taiwan as a separate state. This policy has effectively limited Taiwan’s ability to engage with the international community on a formal level, and Beijing regularly pressures countries and international organizations to exclude Taiwan from participating in global events.
Despite this, Taiwan has managed to carve out a space for itself on the world stage, especially in sectors like technology and trade. The island is a critical player in the global semiconductor industry, and its economic importance has helped bolster its relationships with countries around the world, even as Beijing continues to isolate it diplomatically.
As Taiwan prepares to celebrate its 113th national day, President Lai Ching-te’s latest comments serve as a stark reminder of the island’s ongoing struggle for recognition and sovereignty. By asserting that Taiwan’s political roots run deeper than those of the People’s Republic of China, Lai has once again positioned himself as a fierce defender of Taiwan’s independence.
Yet, the reality on the ground remains tense. China shows no signs of backing down from its claims over Taiwan, and its military activities in the region suggest that the possibility of conflict remains ever-present. For Taiwan, the challenge moving forward will be navigating this fraught geopolitical landscape while maintaining its democratic values and striving for greater international recognition. The island’s leadership will need to balance defiance with pragmatism, ensuring that Taiwan remains secure in the face of growing Chinese pressure. For now, President Lai’s message is clear: Taiwan is not a part of China, and its people will continue to chart their own course, regardless of Beijing’s claims.
