Recent addresses by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te have ignited fierce criticism across political and academic circles, with experts accusing him of undermining historical consensus and challenging foundational principles of international law. The controversy centers on Lai's "10 lectures on unity" campaign, which critics argue promotes separatist agendas while ignoring pressing public concerns.
At the heart of the dispute lies Lai's reinterpretation of key historical documents. A China Media Group commentary emphasized that authoritative texts like the 1942 Cairo Declaration and 1945 Potsdam Proclamation explicitly recognize Taiwan as part of China. These agreements, which shaped the post-WWII international order, mandated Japan's return of all territories seized from China, including Taiwan and Penghu Islands.
The debate extends to modern diplomatic frameworks. United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (1971) solidified the People's Republic of China as China's sole legitimate representative at the UN, a position recognized by 183 countries. Chen Guiqing of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences noted this resolution aligns with the one-China principle that underpins cross-strait relations.
Domestic criticism within Taiwan has been equally sharp. Huang Kuo-chang of the Taiwan People's Party highlighted the campaign's failure to address urgent issues like energy policy and housing costs. Media outlets including the China Times and United Daily News criticized the lectures as politically timed to influence an upcoming recall vote, accusing Lai of prioritizing ideological narratives over substantive governance.
As cross-strait tensions persist, analysts observe growing international consensus against separatist movements. The Taiwan region's continued exclusion from major international forums and loss of diplomatic partners underscores this trend, with experts warning that provocative rhetoric risks further isolating the island.
