TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on Tuesday questioned China’s reaction to Taiwan’s National Day, asking, when has China ever been happy about Taiwan’s National Day? The premier was responding to comments made by President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), who drew international attention at Saturday’s National Day gala with remarks about the concept of the "motherland."
Lai argued that, in terms of age, it is impossible for the People’s Republic of China (PRC, 中國人民共和國) to be considered the "motherland" of the people of the Republic of China (ROC, 中華民國). Instead, he suggested that the ROC could be seen as the motherland of the PRC, as the latter is just over 75 years old. Reuters reported that following the president's remarks, China may conduct military drills around Taiwan in response.
Premier Cho urged China to respect history and acknowledge the existence of the ROC. He also pointed out that many foreign media outlets have highlighted Taiwan and the ROC’s commitment to peace and prosperity. He expressed his hope that National Day celebrations would reflect these values.