TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said on Wednesday (April 15) that Taiwan should not compromise its sovereignty for peace. He was responding to Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨), Taiwan's main opposition party, Chair Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文)'s recent meeting with Chinese Leader Xi Jinping (習近平). Lai spoke at the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP, 民進黨) Central Executive Committee (中執會) meeting.
Lai criticized the notion of incorporating Taiwan into a "One China" framework and collaborating with authoritarian regimes. He argued that packaging unification as peace violates public opinion and could have serious consequences for Taiwan. Lai said Taiwan is based on freedom, democracy and human rights.
Lai said the country's development over the past decade proves that distancing from the "One China" framework is the correct path. Engaging with the global community has benefited Taiwan, he said. This trajectory represents the future Taiwanese people aspire to achieve. Lai urged the opposition parties to promptly review and pass the general budget and strengthen national defense special regulations, as the Kuomintang-CCP Forum (國共論壇) has concluded.
Cheng and Xi met Friday (April 10) to discuss the 1992 Consensus (九二共識) and opposition to Taiwan independence. The meeting aimed to establish a peaceful tone in cross-strait relations. Following the meeting, China announced 10 measures to benefit Taiwan, which have sparked widespread discussion in Taiwan. ◼
