Lai's separatist speech: A declaration of deception

Editor's note: Zhang Hua, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a researcher at the Taiwan Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Lai Ching-te, leader of China's Taiwan region, delivered a speech on October 10, 2024, amid heightened tensions across the Taiwan Straits. His speech distorted historical facts and twisted logic to promote separatism, misleading both local and international audiences for personal political gain. His rhetoric is demagogic and dangerous.

The fact that Taiwan is part of China remains unchanged and unchangeable. Lai's claims that "the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other" and "the People's Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan" are utterly false.

Historically, Taiwan has always been a Chinese territory, with clear historical and legal foundations. On October 25, 1945, the Chinese government resumed sovereignty over Taiwan. When the People's Republic of China was established on October 1, 1949, it replaced the Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all of China.

This change in governance was a governmental succession, not a state succession, and China's sovereignty remained intact. Thus, the People's Republic of China naturally inherited the Republic of China's (1912-1949) rights, including sovereignty over Taiwan.

International documents including United Nations Resolution 2758, UN agency resolution, and diplomatic communiques, clearly affirm Taiwan as part of China, with the People's Republic of China representing its entire territory, including Taiwan.

The Chinese government also exercises rights and obligations concerning Taiwan, such as facilitating Taiwan professionals' participation in World Health Organization activities through China's central government.

Lai's speech aimed to deceive both the local audience and the international community for his own political gain. Since becoming the leader of the Taiwan authorities on May 20, 2024, Lai has struggled with governance, facing backlash from the opposition and the public. His 2025 budget and personnel decisions have faced resistance, and his personal approval ratings have declined to around 50 percent.

In an attempt to salvage his political image, Lai adopted a softer tone in his speech, using more palatable language to project unity and reconciliation. However, opposition leaders saw through this facade. Eric Chu, chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, called for stronger oversight of the Lai governance, while representatives from the Taiwan People's Party wearing “Justice” slogan shirts, highlighted skepticism surrounding Lai's intentions.

Despite the DPP's efforts to solicit foreign support and resist reunification by force, it has failed to gain the trust of its Western master, the United States.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have repeatedly reaffirmed their commitment to the one-China principle, opposition to separatism, and support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.

Even Annette Lu, former vice leader of Taiwan, and a DPP member, has pointed out that Taiwan is merely a pawn in U.S. strategic interests to be used and discarded as needed.

Lai's reckless policy positions directly impact 23 million people in Taiwan. By promoting lies and manipulation, his speech will only deepen tensions, jeopardizing peace and stability in the region.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com. Follow @thouse_opinions on X, formerly Twitter, to discover the latest commentaries in the CGTN Opinion Section.)