TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) of the Democratic Progressive Party (民進黨, DPP) voiced his concern on Wednesday (June 26) about China's recent anti-Taiwan independence guidelines. He stressed that the rules could potentially affect over 90% of Taiwan's population, calling for unity across party lines in response to pressure from China.
President Lai, who also serves as the DPP chairman, shared his views during the party's central executive committee meeting. He underscored the ruling party's dedication to uniting the nation in the face of China's threats to Taiwan's democracy. Lai stressed the importance of a cautious approach by the government and advocated for the recent constitutional disputes to be resolved by the constitutional court. He emphasized that standing united against China's pressure aligns with the expectations of the Taiwanese people.
China announced its anti-Taiwan independence guidelines on Jun. 21. Zhu Fenglian (朱鳳蓮), spokeswoman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO, 國台辦), argued that the legal argument is grounded in jurisprudence and will be enforced to the fullest extent.
In response, Lo Wen-chia (羅文嘉), secretary-general of the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF, 海基會), warned that the guidelines could lead to lifelong prosecution, global arrests, and even seizure of assets owned by Taiwanese businesses. He believes that the primary aim of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is to conduct a united front.
Lo asserted that the People's Republic of China (PRC.) lacks jurisdiction over the Republic of China (R.O.C.), stating that the guidelines disrupt regional peace and stability. He urged both sides of the strait to resolve differences through regular exchanges. Lo also reminded Taiwanese citizens traveling, doing business, or exchanging ideas in China to be cautious due to the legal uncertainties posed by the guidelines.