Taiwan's MOFA: China Distorts President Lai's Goodwill, Falsely Denigrates Taiwan's Sovereignty

(CNA, Taipei, May 21, by reporter Yang Yao-ju) Following China's criticism of President Lai Ching-te's two-year anniversary address, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) today sternly refuted the fallacies from China's Foreign Ministry and Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) that distort the President's goodwill and falsely denigrate Taiwan's sovereignty. MOFA emphasized that Taiwan is a guardian of democracy and the status quo, and called on China to stop its military expansion activities and gray-zone threats. In a press release this afternoon, MOFA stated that it strongly condemns and refutes the criticisms made by China's TAO and Foreign Ministry on the 20th regarding President Lai Ching-te's two-year anniversary address. They reiterated fallacies contrary to the facts, such as 'nothing can change the fact that Taiwan is part of China,' 'seeking independence by relying on external forces,' and 'seeking independence through military means.' MOFA reiterated that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign, independent, and democratic nation, and is not subordinate to the People's Republic of China. Taiwan has always upheld its democratic constitutional system and free way of life, which is the status quo Taiwan is committed to defending and the greatest consensus among the 23 million people of Taiwan. No matter how the Beijing authorities distort history and legal principles, they cannot change this internationally recognized status quo. MOFA stressed that Taiwan is a guardian of democracy and the status quo, and will continue to work to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. However, it will absolutely not relinquish its national sovereignty and dignity under coercion and pressure, and will fully protect its democratic and free way of life. MOFA said that to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities and leverage its economic, trade, and technological advantages to become a key force in promoting regional peace and stability. It also called on China to stop its military expansion activities and gray-zone threats in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas. This not only fails to win the approval of the Taiwanese people but also makes it clearer to the international community that China is the region's 'troublemaker,' 'peace destroyer,' and 'status quo changer.' MOFA urged the Beijing authorities to face the objective reality of the existence of the Republic of China, respect the choice of the Taiwanese people for a democratic and free system, stop repeatedly misleading the international community, and avoid provocation and conflict. Taiwan will also continue to work closely with the United States and all other like-minded countries to jointly defend the rules-based international order and ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. (Editor: Lin Hsing-meng) 1150521