Dueling National Day addresses reveal Taiwan's fault lines
TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) used Taiwan's National Day ceremony on Saturday (Oct. 10) to deliver off-script remarks criticizing President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and his administration, accusing them of "political hunting" and warning the island risked being seen as a "fake democracy, real dictatorship" (假民主、真獨裁), remarks that drew sharp partisan reactions.
"Today is the Republic of China's birthday. Let us make three wishes together," Han said, his tone shifting from celebration to admonition as he outlined his hopes for security, economic prosperity, and democracy — the last of which he warned was under threat.
Han, who chairs the National Day Celebration Committee, deviated from his ceremonial role to criticize last year's recall elections that targeted opposition legislators. "This is not democracy; this is political hunting," Han said before foreign dignitaries at the Presidential Office plaza.
He also criticized the Executive Yuan, Taiwan's cabinet, for refusing to countersign legislation passed by the opposition-controlled Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament, warning this would become "a negative example" for constitutional law professors.
Han's tone turned grave as he warned of ideological divisions. "Taiwan's biggest problem, this small island, is that our thinking is divided," he said. "Some Taiwanese want to make Taiwan the 51st state of the United States; some want to make Taiwan the fifth major island of Japan; some want to make Taiwan the 34th province of China."
President Lai, speaking after Han, did not directly address the criticism but emphasized national unity. "Political parties may compete, and opinions can differ, but the Taiwan we are so firmly rooted in should not be divided as a result," Lai said in his address, which invoked the "city upon a hill" (山巔之城) imagery used by American presidents from Kennedy to Reagan.
"Taiwan cherishes peace, but we will not give up our freedom," Lai said, his tone measured but firm. "Taiwan is open to exchanges, but will not accept subordination."
Ruling party officials said Lai had taken "the high road," contrasting his unity message with Han's remarks. The speeches exposed Taiwan's deep political divisions weeks before the island's nine-in-one local elections scheduled for November.
"Without security, there is nothing," Han said, his voice rising. "Under an overturned nest, there will be no intact eggs. So under any circumstances, Taiwan's security must always be placed first."
The Kuomintang (KMT) backed Han's remarks. Hung Meng-kai (洪孟楷), deputy secretary-general of the KMT legislative caucus, told CNA on Saturday that Han's speech addressed critical constitutional issues and that the president bears responsibility for resolving the inter-branch deadlock.
The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) also endorsed Han's message. "Democracy is not just about elections and voting — what's more important is whether those in power can accept oversight and respect the constitutional system," caucus secretary-general Hung Yu-hsiang (洪毓祥) told CNA.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) sharply criticized Han. "Everyone was waiting to cut the birthday cake, but Han was busy cutting up the people," caucus secretary-general Chuang Jui-hsiung (莊瑞雄) told local media, questioning whether Han came "to put out fires or to start them."
Han's characterization of the 2025 recall elections as "political hunting" drew pushback from legal commentators, who noted that recall is a constitutional right and that the KMT had previously led recall efforts against pro-independence legislators.
Han's tone softened as he called for dialogue, quoting former President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁). "Politics will always involve conflict — conflict, compromise, progress," Han said, citing Chen approvingly. "We hope President Lai and Premier Cho will calm down. Let's sit down, quiet our hearts. I believe there is time, and everyone has the willingness to resolve this through compromise."
The ceremony featured over 2,500 disaster responders and a flyover by the Air Force's Thunder Tiger aerobatic team. Lai touted Taiwan's economic performance, citing first-half GDP growth of 14.15 percent and announcing welfare initiatives including a monthly allowance of NT$5,000 (around US$156) for every child from birth to age 18. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.96)