DPP: President Lai's Stance on Defending ROC Status Quo Unchanged, No Issue of 'Taiwan Independence'

Central News Agency (CNA) Taipei, 18th - President Lai Ching-te's mention of defending the Republic of China (ROC) status quo and that there is no issue of "Taiwan independence" has drawn attention. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislative caucus stated today that the DPP's position has remained unchanged: whether it is called the Republic of China, Taiwan, or the Republic of China (Taiwan), it is a sovereign and independent country, and this is the status quo. President Lai posted on Facebook on the 17th, noting that during U.S. President Trump's visit to China and his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, everyone was very concerned about the Taiwan issue. He stated that Taiwan is a maintainer of the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region, and in defending the ROC status quo, there is no issue of "Taiwan independence." DPP legislative caucus secretary-general Fan Yun and deputy secretary-general Huang Jie held a press conference today to respond to public opinion, addressing President Lai's remarks and the Blue camp's accusations that the President was using the ROC to smuggle in Taiwan independence. Fan Yun stated that the DPP's position has never changed, from former President Tsai Ing-wen's "Four Commitments" to President Lai's "Four Pillars," and she believes the public will agree. She added that the DPP's 1999 Resolution on Taiwan's Future also states that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country, currently called the Republic of China under the constitution. Fan Yun pointed out that whether one calls the ROC a sovereign and independent country, Taiwan a sovereign and independent country, or ROC Taiwan a sovereign and independent country, it is all the status quo. Fan Yun also said that the biggest variable and the greatest threat to security in the Taiwan Strait is not Taiwan, but the Chinese Communist Party. Regarding recent concerns about changes in Taiwan-U.S. relations, she suggested looking back at the Taiwan Relations Act; Taiwan-U.S. relations have not changed, and the security of the Taiwan Strait involves not only Taiwan's security but also the common interests of Taiwan, the U.S., and the global economy. Huang Jie stated that there is no need for outsiders to get hung up on the DPP's pro-independence party platform, as the interpretation in the Resolution on Taiwan's Future is already very clear. When asked by the media about Taipei 101 Chairwoman Chia Yung-chieh's recent comment, "You can, of course, choose not to be Taiwanese, but then you shouldn't be here," which sparked an online debate. Fan Yun believes that Chia Yung-chieh probably voiced the feelings of many people. She also noted that Chia's Facebook post mentioned, "Loving Taiwan and loving the Republic of China are never in conflict; we are one country." She feels that if anyone is upset by such a statement, perhaps they should reflect, as it is a very heartwarming sentiment. Furthermore, when asked about opposition party lawmakers' proposal to freeze the entire NT$11.9 billion budget for the subsequent "Hai Kun" class submarines. Fan Yun said that the DPP caucus's position has always been to support reasonable oversight, but it opposes malicious obstruction or budget cuts and freezes that affect national defense capabilities. She believes the committee will have a full discussion and called on the Blue and White parties, stating that harming national defense development is harming the security of 23 million people. (Editor: Su Lung-chi) 1150518