After weeks of heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait, Lai Ching-te, leader of the Taiwan region, delivered a speech on October 10 praising the region’s “democracy” and contrasting it with what he described as the “authoritarian” attempts by the People’s Republic of China to undermine Taiwan’s “sovereignty.”
While defending democracy, sovereignty, national defense, and a rules-based international order are commendable objectives, questions arise about who truly safeguards these values in the context of cross-strait relations.
Internationally, the Taiwan region is recognized as part of China—a position held by the United Nations and many Western countries. Beijing seeks peaceful reunification under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework, respecting the political and economic differences of the Taiwan region, much like the reunification of Hong Kong and Macao.
Lai’s calls for strengthening defense with support from Western nations signal increased foreign involvement in cross-strait affairs. Such external interference is viewed by Beijing as a threat to its sovereignty and a destabilizing factor in regional peace.
Some analysts suggest that the Taiwan authorities have become entangled in the broader strategic ambitions of external powers. This situation potentially escalates tensions and undermines prospects for peaceful reunification without foreign interference.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
