Taiwan President urges defense of democracy against China's 'red terror'

Taiwan must unite to safeguard its democracy and resist what President Lai Ching-te described as "red terror" emanating from Beijing. Speaking at the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) annual convention, Lai emphasized the need for vigilance, particularly in the face of China's "legal warfare."

Lai pointed to China's new ethnic unity law as a potential tool Beijing could use to justify actions against individuals outside its borders, raising alarms in Taiwan about potential legal grounds to prosecute or arrest those deemed separatists. China has dismissed criticism of the law, asserting its legal system's lack of jurisdiction in Taiwan.

"I also expect comrades within the party to stand on the front lines, unite as one, and jointly oppose the threat posed by China's 'red terror' to Taiwanese society," Lai stated, addressing the party faithful in Taiwanese Hokkien. He stressed the importance of working together to preserve their "democratic and free way of life" and prevent "democratic Taiwan" from becoming "China's Taiwan."

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We must work together to protect our democratic and free way of life, and absolutely never allow 'democratic Taiwan' to turn back and become 'China's Taiwan'.

Beijing has consistently rejected Lai's calls for dialogue, labeling him a "separatist." Lai, who also chairs the DPP, reaffirmed Taiwan's status as an independent country, constitutionally named the Republic of China, and not subordinate to the People's Republic of China. He declared that anyone identifying with Taiwan is a "master of the country" and that Taiwan's future rests with its 23 million people.

Reflecting on the past decade under DPP governance, Lai noted that Taiwan has withstood "authoritarian expansion," disinformation campaigns, military threats, and diplomatic pressure. He concluded by asserting that "Taiwan has shown the world that democracy is not a weakness; democracy is strength."

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Taiwan has shown the world that democracy is not a weakness; democracy is strength.