TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正), the head of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), reiterated the Republic of China's (Taiwan, 中華民國) sovereignty on Thursday (July 4), emphasizing that it has never been subordinate to any country.
Speaking to the media, he stated, "The fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait are not subordinate to each other is an objective reality and the current situation in the Taiwan Strait." Chiu also emphasized the government's consistent stance on cross-strait relations, including four steadfast principles to maintain peace and stability.
Minister Chiu further noted that President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) inaugural address, which mentioned the non-subordination between the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China (中華人民共和國), has sparked ongoing discussions.
During the routine press conference, Chiu clarified that President Lai's speech was grounded in the Republic of China's constitutional framework, including related laws such as the "Constitution and the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area."
He reiterated, "Reviewing all constitutional provisions, we have never been subordinate to any country in the world, so the fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait are not subordinate to each other is an objective reality and the current situation in the Taiwan Strait."
Chiu urged Beijing to cease its threats against Taiwan and to jointly uphold peace in the Taiwan Strait. He also called for respectful dialogue based on equality and mutual respect, reflecting the expectations of both peoples and the international community.
Chiu stressed the importance of fostering goodwill to promote positive interactions and ensure a stable foundation for peace.