On China's National Unity Law, Lai Ching-te: Will Not Accept Beijing's United Front Efforts Reaching Taiwan

(CNA, Taipei, July 1) President Lai Ching-te, who also serves as chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), stated today that China's "Law on Safeguarding National Unity and Promoting National Reunification" officially took effect, raising high international concern and posing a threat of "cross-border suppression" and a "chilling effect" to the international community, including Taiwan. He emphasized that Taiwan will absolutely not accept, nor will it stand idly by, as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) attempts to extend its "red terror" and "united front infiltration" into Taiwanese society.

During a DPP Central Executive Committee meeting today, Lai stated that the Chinese government, disregarding the strong concerns and opposition from the international community, including the United Nations, the European Parliament, various governments, human rights organizations, and think tanks, has insisted on passing this "evil law" that "uses the name of unity to practice assimilation and eradication." This demonstrates that the Chinese government is increasingly heading down an irreversible path of authoritarianism and dictatorship, completely defying the global trend and highlighting the widening gap between Taiwan and China.

He said that Taiwan is a nation that embraces ethnic diversity, mutual respect, and inclusivity. Taiwan's core value in treating different ethnic groups is "diversity and mutual respect." This stands in stark contrast to China's attempt to achieve "eradication and forced assimilation" through the "Law on Safeguarding National Unity and Promoting National Reunification," thus revealing the fundamental difference between "democratic Taiwan" and "authoritarian China."

Lai stated that in recent years, the Chinese government has viewed different opinions, beliefs, cultures, and identities within society as threats to the CCP regime. Now, it demands that all citizens "have only one voice," "speak only one language," and even "believe only in Xi Jinping Thought and the Chinese Communist Party." Otherwise, they will face threats, intimidation, and imprisonment by the authoritarian government. This is absolutely unacceptable behavior for a "democratic country," let alone a great power that is confident in itself.

He pointed out that this evil law not only threatens and affects the people within China but also represents the Chinese government's further escalation of so-called "long-arm jurisdiction" and "cross-border suppression" attacks against overseas targets. Any international government, official, representative, organization, enterprise, or individual may face unreasonable suppression and sanctions due to this law.

Lai said that the CCP has already carried out over 110 acts of "cross-border suppression" against Taiwan in the past, and in the future, it will inevitably attempt to further expand its scope of application, create a chilling effect, and threaten the Taiwanese people into submitting to the CCP's authoritarian rule. He emphasized that Taiwan will absolutely not accept, nor will it stand idly by, as the CCP attempts to extend its "red terror" and "united front infiltration" into Taiwanese society.

Lai stated that in the face of China's authoritarian expansion and relentless pressure, the ruling team will continue to closely monitor the situation, establish early warning mechanisms, and identify countermeasures to protect the people and the nation. Efforts will be made to further strengthen public media literacy and civil servant education and training, and to enhance the exclusion of CCP united front attempts. Regarding the CCP's "cross-border suppression," preventive and countermeasure work will be established, along with plans for comprehensive assistance and protection mechanisms.

At the same time, he said, Taiwan will strengthen international cooperation, actively voice its stance through various channels to resist CCP suppression, safeguard national sovereignty and dignity, and establish cooperation mechanisms with allied nations to enhance international participation, jointly counter CCP cross-border suppression, and actively expose the CCP's human rights abuses.

He once again called on the public to remain vigilant and closely monitor the various risks they may face when studying, doing business, or engaging in cross-strait exchanges in China. The government will continue to strengthen relevant regulations and reminders, and together with the international democratic camp, counter China's cross-border suppression and defend universal values and fundamental human rights. It is hoped that all parties and factions within the country will work with the government to protect the safety of the people and ensure that "democratic Taiwan" does not become "Chinese Taiwan." (Editor: Lin Hsing-meng) 1150701

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