TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) vowed on Thursday (Jan. 8) to protect Taiwan from China's cross-border pressures. He expressed pride in the resilience of Taiwanese citizens who stand firm against threats from China, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding the nation's security. Lai pledged to prevent any Chinese interference on Taiwanese soil.
China's Taiwan Affairs Office (國台辦) recently labeled Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) and Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) as "stubborn Taiwan independence advocates." Lai referenced Japanese Senator Hei Seki's (石平) recent visit to Taiwan, despite China's sanctions against him. He stated that this visit demonstrated the separate sovereignty of the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China.
Lai highlighted China's attempts to exert pressure on Taiwanese people, arguing that it underscores China's lack of jurisdiction over Taiwan. He reiterated that Taiwan does not belong to the People's Republic of China and reiterated his commitment to national defense, promising to prevent any encroachment by Chinese forces on Taiwanese soil.
Lai also called on opposition parties to review the national defense special budget, stressing that it is a fundamental duty of lawmakers. He urged them to support the review of the special budget and the central government's general budget, highlighting the importance of these measures for Taiwan's security.