Lai Ching-te: Taiwan is Already a Sovereign, Independent Nation, Regardless of its Name
On May 20, President Lai Ching-te, who also serves as the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) chairman, stated at a DPP Central Standing Committee meeting that Taiwan, regardless of its name—be it the Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), or Taiwan—is already a sovereign and independent nation. The occasion marked the second anniversary of his inauguration with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and the historic anniversary of Taiwan's first direct presidential election 30 years ago. Lai emphasized that direct elections embody popular sovereignty and called on party officials to firmly defend national sovereignty against threats from China.
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- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 16:54
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(CNA, Taipei, May 20, by reporter Yeh Su-ping) President Lai Ching-te, who also serves as the chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), said that today is a historic inauguration anniversary, 30 years after the people of Taiwan first directly elected their president and vice president. The direct election of the president not only represents the sovereignty of the people and the concrete practice of the people being the masters of the country, but it also "further demonstrates that Taiwan, regardless of its name—be it the Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), or Taiwan—is already a sovereign and independent country."
The DPP held its Central Standing Committee meeting today, where Lai Ching-te told the committee members that May 20 is not only the second anniversary of his and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim's inauguration but also the historic inauguration day 30 years after the people of Taiwan first directly elected their president and vice president.
Lai said that the direct election of the president not only represents the sovereignty of the people and the concrete practice of the people being the masters of the country, but "it also further demonstrates that Taiwan, regardless of its name—be it the Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), or Taiwan—is already a sovereign and independent country."
Lai also pointed out that this morning at the Presidential Office, he met with several pioneers who promoted Taiwan's democratization and direct presidential elections, thanking them for their sacrifices and contributions to Taiwan.
He expressed his hope that all party officials would carry on the spirit of these pioneers. Facing the threat of China's intention to annex Taiwan and change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait through unification, he urged them to more resolutely defend national sovereignty, protect the democratic and free way of life, and work together to leave a better, safer, and more dignified Taiwan for the next generation. (Editor: Lin Hsing-meng) 1150520
The DPP held its Central Standing Committee meeting today, where Lai Ching-te told the committee members that May 20 is not only the second anniversary of his and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim's inauguration but also the historic inauguration day 30 years after the people of Taiwan first directly elected their president and vice president.
Lai said that the direct election of the president not only represents the sovereignty of the people and the concrete practice of the people being the masters of the country, but "it also further demonstrates that Taiwan, regardless of its name—be it the Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), or Taiwan—is already a sovereign and independent country."
Lai also pointed out that this morning at the Presidential Office, he met with several pioneers who promoted Taiwan's democratization and direct presidential elections, thanking them for their sacrifices and contributions to Taiwan.
He expressed his hope that all party officials would carry on the spirit of these pioneers. Facing the threat of China's intention to annex Taiwan and change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait through unification, he urged them to more resolutely defend national sovereignty, protect the democratic and free way of life, and work together to leave a better, safer, and more dignified Taiwan for the next generation. (Editor: Lin Hsing-meng) 1150520